The regional carrier Silk Avia is planning to acquire two ATR-72 aircraft. This was announced on January 28 during a press conference by the chairman of Uzbekistan Airways, Shukhrat Khudaikulov, as reported by a Spot correspondent.

In 2024, the airline's route network consisted of 99 destinations, of which only 8 were domestic. However, Silk Avia, which is part of Uzbekistan Airways, has increased the number of flights sevenfold—over 100 flights per week. This has been made possible by the acquisition of two regional ATR-72 aircraft and one LET L-410.

“We are primarily focused [on expanding the fleet]. If Silk Avia currently has five aircraft [ATR-72], we are currently working on the purchase of two more aircraft [ATR 72−600],” said the head of Uzbekistan Airways.

In response to a Spot correspondent's question about competition with rail transport, where ticket prices for trains have been raised multiple times, Khudaikulov stated that each mode of transport has its own passengers, and attempts to lure citizens from rail to aviation were deemed "incorrect."

He emphasized that Uzbekistan Airways will maximize the number of flights based on its capabilities. According to him, Silk Avia has managed to "stand on its feet," and its current main goal is to increase the flight duration of the ATR-72, including flights to neighboring countries. For example, starting June 16, Silk Avia will fly daily to Issyk-Kul.

“We can operate the ATR-72 more, but no one will fly to Bukhara late at night. Passengers have their usual times for flights—morning, afternoon, evening, but not at night,” Khudaikulov said.

The head of the airline noted that Uzbekistan Airways and "Uzbekiston Temir Yullari" are not competitors, so it would be "incorrect" to take passengers from each other. He also reported that there are no plans to raise prices for air tickets.

According to the Planespotters portal, Silk Avia’s fleet includes five ATR-72 aircraft. The first two were delivered in April 2023, and the last one is expected in March 2024. There is also mention of the delivery of one L-410.

The press service of Silk Avia confirmed to Spot that negotiations are underway for two ATR 72−600 aircraft. However, the payment terms and delivery date are currently unknown. Additionally, a light aircraft L-410 is expected to arrive in the first half of the year, for which an acquisition agreement was reached last year. The amount of the deal is not disclosed due to commercial confidentiality.

Earlier, Spot reported that Uzbekistan Airways plans to acquire 14 Dreamliner aircraft for $2 billion.