Uzbekistan Could Leap Forward in Aviation Using AI and Digital Technologies

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — By 2030, airlines that actively implement artificial intelligence (AI) are projected to outperform competitors on mature markets by 5–6 percentage points in operating margin. Those that fail to adapt risk rapidly losing their positions. These conclusions are outlined in the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) study “The AI-First Airline.”

For Uzbekistan, the global AI revolution presents unique opportunities. Rapid growth in passenger traffic, high digital maturity among the population, shifts in consumer behavior, and an almost “zero” starting position allow the country to move directly to an AI-oriented model. This creates favorable conditions for the development of next-generation airlines and the establishment of a digital aviation ecosystem.

“In Uzbekistan, a favorable combination of factors is forming — market liberalization, digitally mature consumers, rapid growth in passenger traffic, and an almost ‘zero’ starting position — which provides a powerful impetus for the swift development of a new aviation sector based on a digital business model. At the same time, existing players who are not prepared for change may lose their positions just as quickly,” noted Andrey Novitsky, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, Head of the Tashkent office.

Market Leapfrogging

The country’s passenger traffic has reached nearly 180% of pre-pandemic levels, exceeding growth rates in most major Asian subregions. In 2025, airports in Uzbekistan served over 13 million passengers, more than 15 airlines operate on the market, fleets are expanding, and infrastructure is scaling up. Geopolitical shifts, transformation of trade corridors, and growing demand for reliable routes enhance Central Asia’s role as an international logistics hub.

However, the market remains young: there are about 133 flights per thousand residents, compared to hundreds or thousands in developed economies; the average ticket price is equivalent to 25 days of income, while in Kazakhstan it is 4 days, and in Western countries, just 1 day. With an annual economic growth rate of 6–7%, the potential to double these indicators by the mid-2030s is clear.

The population’s digital maturity outpaces the development of the sector: over 95% of residents have internet access, yet only a third of airline tickets are sold directly through digital channels. Loyalty programs are limited, digital check-in is growing slowly, and data on the most valuable customers remains incomplete. Many ground processes are still manual, leading to queues and overburdened call centers.

Implementing AI becomes a logical step: combining AI with digital solutions allows a shift from data to analytics and from routine processes to self-service, creating a “leapfrog” effect.

The Leapfrog Effect

“A passenger disembarks and receives a personalized offer, luggage is tracked in real time, and disruptions are resolved before they even become noticeable. This is not the future but the reality for leaders in global aviation. Uzbekistan can build the sector almost from scratch, bypassing the limitations of outdated systems,” emphasized Novitsky.

Instead of modernizing old platforms, the country can create AI-oriented systems, implement the best digital and operational models from day one, and establish a new approach to fleet management, route networks, and personalized customer experience.

Mexico serves as a successful example: following market liberalization, budget carriers Volaris and Viva Aerobus captured about 75% of the market, increased online sales to 90–95%, and displaced traditional airlines.

The Global AI Revolution in Aviation

AI is already actively used to reduce delays by 30–40%, decrease downtime by 20–30%, and increase revenue on key routes by 10–20%. Passengers adapt quickly: 37% plan trips using AI assistants, setting new industry standards.

The economic impact is evident: on mature markets, leading AI adopters demonstrate operating margins 5–6 percentage points higher than competitors, which is critical in a low-margin industry like aviation.

Three Modes of AI Application

Implementation — improving existing processes: demand forecasting, predictive equipment diagnostics, automation of standard customer service. For Uzbekistan, this could start with 10–15 key routes, including Istanbul, Dubai, Jeddah, and popular European destinations.

Restructuring — rethinking the commercial and operational core: dynamic pricing, schedule optimization during delays, integration of maintenance and crew planning as a unified system.

Innovation — creating new products and revenue streams: AI concierges for route planning, integration with tourism infrastructure, and providing AI support services to regional partners.

KLM’s experience confirms the effectiveness of AI integration: improved routing, crew planning, and maintenance increased passenger-kilometers by 8%, raised customer satisfaction, and reduced non-operational costs by 20–30%.

Practical Steps for Industry Leaders in Uzbekistan

Start with 3–5 small projects with measurable results (e.g., smart pricing on selected routes) over 6–12 months.

Appoint project leaders from both business and technology teams responsible for outcomes.

Establish data management and model control.

Integrate AI into the CEO’s agenda and set KPIs for top management linked to AI performance indicators.

This approach will allow Uzbek airlines to quickly capitalize on AI advantages, create new competitive models, and take leading positions in the regional and global market.