Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Air Samarkand has celebrated its achievements after completing its first full year of active operations in 2024, a period marked by rapid growth and solidification of its market presence.

In 2024, the airline carried 152,600 passengers and transported 2,650 tons of cargo across 1,237 flights. The average load factor for scheduled flights was 82%, while charter flights boasted an impressive 89%. Over the year, the company expanded its workforce from 180 to 270 employees, including 54 newly trained flight attendants who joined the cabin crew.

The airline introduced new routes to destinations such as Jeddah, Medina, Sharm El Sheikh, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. In March, it launched regular flights to Istanbul. Additionally, Air Samarkand operated charter flights to cities including Dubai, Delhi, Dhaka, Islamabad, Batumi, and Tbilisi. Among these, Jeddah emerged as the most popular destination, with flights offered from five cities in Uzbekistan. Routes to Vietnam, Egypt, and Türkiye also saw high demand.

Strategic partnerships with leading tour operators EasyBooking and Crystal Bay allowed Air Samarkand to establish robust scheduled and charter programs. Agreements for ground handling were signed across all airports within the airline's network, and advanced IT solutions were implemented in collaboration with Hitit.

In February 2024, the airline’s fleet welcomed an Airbus A321neo, complementing its existing Airbus A321 and A330-300 aircraft. During the summer, a new website was launched, featuring direct ticket booking options.

Air Samarkand actively participated in major international tourism exhibitions and forums, such as EMITT and TURSAB in Istanbul, KITF in Almaty, and TITF in Tashkent. The airline worked alongside Silk Road Samarkand and Air Marakanda (Samarkand Airport) to promote Uzbekistan’s tourism potential.

From the outset, Air Samarkand has adhered to international safety and service standards, offering competitive fares, generous baggage allowances, and hot meals on all international flights. Multilingual cabin crews ensure a welcoming, comfortable, and secure experience for passengers.

Exceeding all goals set for 2024, the airline plans to sustain its dynamic growth in 2025. This includes fleet expansion and the introduction of new international routes. The company also aims to increase the share of regular flights while maintaining important charter programs.

Samarkand, a cultural gem of Central Asia and a key Silk Road hub, is gaining new significance. The city is undergoing modernization, offering international tourists a unique blend of historical landmarks and contemporary infrastructure. Supporting the development of regional tourism remains a core mission for the airline.

CEO Zafar Butaev reflected on the milestone year: “Our first year was a time of bold decisions and remarkable achievements. What started as an aviation startup has now established itself as a reliable partner for passengers and tour operators. We’ve built an impressive route network and delivered excellent service. Looking ahead, we plan to grow our fleet, open new destinations, and solidify Samarkand’s status as a central hub for business, cultural, and leisure tourism, while reliably serving our citizens' international travel needs.”