IATA to unveil new office & billing and settlement plan in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan - Representative Image
Aviation currently generates 0.9% of national GDP & creates more than 128,000 jobs in the country. The IATA office and BSP in Uzbekistan will provide strategic support to grow air travel through boosting aviation safety and operational efficiency.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it is establishing a opening a new office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and preparing for the launch of a Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) in the country before the end of the year.
According to IATA, Uzbekistan is a growing market that is taking a leading position in Central Asia for passenger traffic. The IATA office and BSP in Uzbekistan will provide strategic support to grow air travel through boosting aviation safety and operational efficiency.
“The BSP will give access to airlines to cost-effectively process financial transactions globally while enabling global product distribution. This provides greater opportunity to grow international connectivity. Aviation in Uzbekistan currently generates some 0.9% of national GDP and creates more than 128,000 jobs. With the right government policies in place, there is scope for this contribution to grow substantially. IATA looks forward to being a proactive support in building this future,” said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe.
IATA’s projected revenue passenger kilometre growth for Uzbekistan over 2024-2050 is 3.3%, slightly higher than the global growth rate of 3.1%. For this potential to be realised, IATA highlighted several key elements including alignment with global standards and best practices, central to this is the adoption of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) which is expected to enhance confidence in the safety of airlines in Uzbekistan; New airports being constructed in Tashkent, Bukhara, and Urgench will provide needed new capacity to support growing passenger numbers and cargo volumes. However, as per IATA, it is important that these airports are constructed cost effectively and in consultation with airlines so that the airports operate to user needs and are not burdened with excessive charges.
Refining Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to international standards will support aviation’s development, energy security, and the potential for developing an export business. IATA pointed out that Uzbekistan has potential to capitalise on its Gas-to-Liquids experience with a focus on renewable or low-carbon gases to ensure environmental integrity and international acceptance.
In Uzbekistan employee spending, and tourism activities, contributes a total of USD 795.5 million, or 0.9%, to GDP and supporting 128,000 jobs. The tourism in the country is directly supported by aviation contributing USD 282.9 million to the country’s GDP, while international tourists to Uzbekistan are estimated to contribute USD 2 billion annually to the wider economy through the purchase of goods and services from local businesses.
