IATA supported Uzbekistan's aviation breakthrough

Director General of the International Air Transport Association IATA, Willie Walsh, praised Uzbekistan's large-scale investments in the aviation industry, including the construction of a new airport and the expansion of the aircraft fleet. In an interview, he noted that the active development of infrastructure does not pose risks to the market, but rather creates conditions for the growth of transportation and tourism. As an example, Walsh cited Ireland, where increased competition, including from Ryanair, led to cheaper flights and accelerated economic development.

According to him, aviation investments should be accompanied by comprehensive measures: simplification of the visa regime, development of tourism, hotel and transport infrastructure, as well as the creation of a competitive environment. The head of IATA assigned a special role to "open skies" agreements, which allow to quickly unlock the potential of the market and attract new carriers.

Walsh separately commented on initiatives to develop environmentally friendly aviation fuel SAF in Central Asia. He stressed that increasing production volumes will reduce costs and increase investor interest, and governments should consider a wide range of raw material sources. In general, he called the processes in the aviation sector of the region "very positive", despite the impact of airspace restrictions around Ukraine.