IATA Views Uzbekistan’s Aviation Investments as a Positive Development for the Market and Tourism

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), highly praised Uzbekistan’s large-scale investments in aviation infrastructure, including the construction of a new airport and the expansion of the national aircraft fleet.

In an interview, he stressed that the country should not be concerned about the active development of the sector, citing Ireland as an example, where increased competition from Ryanair helped make air travel more affordable and contributed to broader economic growth.

Walsh noted that infrastructure expansion should be approached in a comprehensive manner, encompassing visa facilitation, the development of tourism, the hospitality and transport sectors, as well as the creation of competitive conditions and the conclusion of “open skies” agreements.

The head of IATA emphasized that the integration of all these elements would make it possible to fully stimulate growth in the air transport market.

Walsh also separately commented on initiatives to develop the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Central Asia. He underscored the importance of increasing production volumes in order to reduce costs and urged governments to consider all possible feedstock sources rather than limiting themselves to a single option.

In his view, the development of SAF opens up new opportunities for business and for attracting investment to the region.

Overall, Walsh described the ongoing processes in the region’s aviation sector as “very positive,” despite the impact of airspace restrictions around Ukraine on investment attractiveness.