Silk Avia, Uzbekistan’s new regional airline, has signed a firm order for five new ATR 72-600, three directly from ATR and two from a lessor. The airline is planning to commence commercial operations with three used ATR 72-600.
Apart from the above, the airline has also signed a five-year pay-by-the-hour Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) with ATR to support its ATR aircraft. The contract includes the repair, overhaul, and Line Replaceable Unit Pool Exchange Service, an on-site stock of spare parts, a spare part agreement, along with propeller availability and maintenance services. With this contract, Silk Air plans to reduce the maintenance cost while boosting operations.
Rano Dzhuraeva, Chair of Uzbekistan Airports, said: "We are excited to be soon launching our operations with an all-ATR fleet. As a new low-cost airline, we undertook an extensive review of which aircraft would provide the best solution. Our selection of the ATR 72-600 is the perfect choice for us as they will ensure we can offer our passengers the most modern, comfortable, and reliable experience in the most affordable and sustainable way.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer, ATR, said: “There is no better solution to provide essential links than an ATR 72-600, the sustainable benchmark in regional aviation today. In a fast-growing country such as Uzbekistan, Silk Avia will play a key role by offering vital links for local communities and boosting the economy. Studies have shown that an increase of 10% in regional flights can lead to a 5% increase in local GDP and ATR contributes by providing the most responsible and affordable regional aircraft. We warmly welcome Silk Avia as one of our newest customers, opening a new market for ATR in Central Asia.”
Uzbekistan Airports, the owner of Silk Avia, has made robust investments in establishing a wide network of upgraded and new airports to better serve the domestic and regional markets. The primary purpose of Silk Avia is to stimulate domestic tourism and business development. The airline will also increase regional connectivity to the capital of Tashkent and provide direct access between the Uzbek cities, serving around 40 routes in the country. They will connect 11 domestic airports, and seven additional airports in the future.