On April 21, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the establishment of a permanent presence in Tashkent, the opening of a new office, and preparations for the launch of the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) system in Uzbekistan by the end of this year.

"Uzbekistan is a growing market, occupying a leading position in Central Asia for passenger and cargo transportation. The IATA office and the implementation of the BSP in the country will provide strategic support for the development of air travel by improving safety and operational efficiency. With the opening of our office, IATA experts will be more readily available to assist airlines and airports in implementing global safety and operational standards," said Rafael Schwartzman, IATA Regional Vice President for Europe.

"Importantly, the BSP will enable Uzbek airlines to process financial transactions efficiently and cost-effectively on a global scale, while simultaneously creating opportunities to sell air travel to global markets and additional potential for the development of international air travel." "Currently, aviation in Uzbekistan accounts for approximately 0.9% of the country's GDP and supports over 128,000 jobs. With the right government policies, this contribution could grow significantly. IATA looks forward to actively supporting this future," added Shvartsman.

Strategic Development

Uzbekistan strives to leverage its geographic location in Central Asia to become a key regional hub, providing air links to neighboring countries, as well as to Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. IATA's projected passenger-kilometre (RPK) growth in Uzbekistan for the period 2024–2050 is 3.3%, slightly higher than the global average of 3.1%. The following elements are critical to realizing this potential:

Compliance with international standards and best practices. A key aspect is the implementation of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program, which will increase confidence in the safety standards of Uzbekistan's airlines.

Infrastructure development. New airports under construction in Tashkent, Bukhara, and Urgench will provide the necessary capacity increase to accommodate growing passenger and cargo flows. However, it is important that their construction be carried out with cost-effectiveness in mind and with the input of airlines, ensuring that the airports meet the needs of industry participants and are not burdened with excessive fees.

Transition to clean energy. The production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in accordance with international standards will contribute to the development of aviation, strengthen energy security, and create export potential. Uzbekistan has a significant advantage in this regard, thanks to its experience in Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) technology, focusing on renewable or low-carbon gases, which can ensure the country's environmental sustainability and international recognition.

About IATA BSP

BSP (Billing and Settlement Plan) is a global system designed to simplify and standardize financial settlements between IATA-accredited passenger sales agents and airlines participating in the BSP. The system tracks and manages air ticket sales and related financial transactions between hundreds of airlines and tens of thousands of agents worldwide. Access to the BSP provides airlines with significant advantages in managing sales with financial reliability and facilitates the expansion of air travel.

The Importance of Aviation for Uzbekistan

• 12,400 people are directly employed in the aviation industry, providing an economic contribution of US$96.5 million, equivalent to 0.1% of GDP. Additional benefits are generated through supply chains, employee costs, and tourism—combined, this amounts to US$795.5 million, or 0.9% of GDP, and supports 128,000 jobs.
• Tourism directly supported by aviation contributes US$282.9 million to the country's GDP, while international tourists annually bring approximately US$2 billion to the economy through the consumption of goods and services of local companies.
• In 2023, 66,600 tons of air cargo were transported through Uzbekistan's airports. With the opening of a dedicated cargo terminal at Tashkent Airport and the continued development of the cargo airport in Navoi, further growth in cargo traffic is expected.