IATA Opens Office and Launches BSP in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the start of permanent operations in Uzbekistan, including the opening of an office in Tashkent.

At the same time, the organisation is preparing to introduce the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) in the country by the end of the current year, marking a key step toward the digitalisation of financial settlements in the aviation sector.

According to IATA Regional Vice President for Europe Rafael Schvartzman, Uzbekistan is a dynamically developing market and holds leading positions in Central Asia in terms of passenger and cargo transportation volumes. He noted that IATA’s presence and the implementation of BSP will strengthen the sector by improving flight safety and operational efficiency. Schvartzman emphasised that the opening of the office will make the association’s experts more accessible to airlines and airports, facilitating the implementation of global standards.

He said the BSP system will allow Uzbek airlines to process international financial transactions with lower costs and greater efficiency, while also expanding their opportunities in global markets. He added that aviation accounts for about 0.9% of the country’s GDP and supports more than 128,000 jobs, noting that with the right government policies this contribution could increase significantly. IATA intends to support the sector’s development in this direction.

Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan Ilhom Makhkamov stated that the country’s aviation sector is developing rapidly thanks to strong attention from the state leadership. He said Uzbekistan is consistently pursuing liberalisation of the aviation market and the development of national airlines, while cooperation with international organisations plays an important role in this process. He noted the readiness of both public and private stakeholders to cooperate with IATA.

IATA Regional Manager for Central Asia Rizwan Siddiqui said the Tashkent office will be the organisation’s second representation in the region after Kazakhstan. He stressed that the opening is the result of joint efforts between IATA and the Government of Uzbekistan.

IATA operates a global network of regional and representative offices that play a key role in coordinating cooperation between the aviation industry, governments, regulators and market participants.

According to IATA, local and regional offices are established to represent airline interests, ensure industry coordination and improve the efficiency of aviation systems in specific countries and regions. The network includes 57 offices in 52 countries worldwide.

A key function of these offices is engagement with national regulators and aviation authorities. IATA participates in discussions on tax policy, airport charges and regulatory frameworks, aiming to reduce administrative barriers and ensure a more predictable environment for airlines.

Particular attention is given to flight safety and aviation security. The organisation promotes international standards, including the IOSA and ISAGO audit programmes, used to assess operational safety of airlines and ground handling services.

Another priority is the development of aviation infrastructure and airspace efficiency. IATA is involved in initiatives to optimise routes and modernise airport systems, aimed at reducing delays and increasing capacity.

Environmental issues are also becoming increasingly important in the organisation’s agenda. IATA supports the transition to sustainable aviation fuel and the industry’s stated goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Financial infrastructure in the aviation market is coordinated through IATA systems, including BSP and CASS, which facilitate settlements between airlines, agents and cargo operators.

The organisation also promotes global standardisation of industry processes, including digital solutions for passenger transport, baggage handling and unified technological standards such as One ID and NDC.

Amid expanding international cooperation in aviation, IATA’s regional offices continue to serve as a link between the organisation’s global strategy and national aviation systems, adapting international standards to local conditions.

IATA considers Uzbekistan a future regional aviation hub due to its geographic location. According to its forecasts, passenger-kilometre growth in the country between 2024 and 2050 is expected to average 3.3%, exceeding the global rate.

Key conditions for sector development include compliance with international standards, including the implementation of the IOSA operational safety audit programme, development of airport infrastructure in Tashkent, Bukhara and Urgench, and ensuring economic efficiency in line with airline needs. Particular attention is also given to the transition to clean energy, including the development of sustainable aviation fuel production, which could strengthen the country’s energy security and export potential.

Aviation already plays a significant role in Uzbekistan’s economy, supporting tourism, foreign trade and employment, while further sector growth is linked to infrastructure expansion and the adoption of international management practices.