The Uzbekistan’s first private airlines, Qanot Sharq has been awarded an AOC certificate on 2nd August 2021(reported by ch-aviation); now the airlines is making steady preparation to launch its service.
The establishment of Qanot had abolished the monopoly in Uzbekistan’s aviation industry, forming a strong foundation and market demand for the private sector.
First Plane of The First Private Airline
Qanot airlines received its first plane, Airbus A320, on April 26, 2021. The Deputy Prime Minister- Minister of Tourism and Sports, Aziz Abdukhakimov, also took part in the ceremony dedicated to achieving the first-ever private charter in the country. Congratulating Qanot Sharq on the significant feat, the minister addressed the long waiting for the arrival of the aircraft and the contribution the aircraft will be making in the development of tourism in Uzbekistan.
Read More: Air Astana to fly regular nonstop flights between Almaty to Samarkand.
The owner of Qanot Sharq Airlines, Nosir Abdugafarov, with the intention of ensuring the highest standard of safety and comfort to the carrier’s passengers, had announced the lease placement of two Airbus A320-200 aircraft back in February 2021. Following the Decree signed by the President of Uzbekistan on the measures for further development of domestic and pilgrim tourism in the country, the private airlines is hoping to provide a number of benefits, subsidies, and discount on its service with these efficient aircraft.
Also, a further additional unit of the A320 variant will be joining the Qanot fleet soon, followed by the two Airbus A330 aircraft that are expected to be delivered by the end of 2021.
Development of Uzbekistan’s Aviation Industry
The introduction of the Qanton in an attempt to develop the aviation industry of Uzbekistan has been taken in a positive light. The development of the Uzbekistani aviation industry has been a significant factor in increasing the country’s tourism, investment, and international business prospects. The government has been keeping a close eye on the transformation and direction of the aviation industry in the country.
Besides aiding the Qanot Sharq, the Uzbekistani government has been building strategies to improve the aviation market by reconstructing regional airports and expanding international flights with the introduction of “open skies.” On 12th June 2021, the Transport Minister of Uzbekistan signed a decree on introducing “open skies.” The “open skies” regime introduced from 1st August 2021 will be valid for a period of two years 2022/2023. With the objective of improving the effectiveness of reforms in the areas of civil aviation and tourism, the “open skies” regime will give the carriers rights to receive and unload passengers, mails, or traveling goods to or from a third-world country. Also, the regime will let any foreign airlines fly regardless of their country of registration and with any frequency.
About Qanot Sharq
Qanot Sharq was established in September 1998 and became the first-ever non-governmental airline in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The carrier, led by a team of highly accomplished airline professionals with over 200 years of combined industry experience, has been specializing in the organization of international cargo and passenger air transportation since its establishment. Qanot rented II-76 aircraft from the Uzebkiston Havo Yollari from 2003 to 2012 and operated its own flight as the first private airline in the country.
The carrier transported more than 1,50,000 passengers with the II-76 aircraft during its service, but the private carrier’s certificate was suspended after transferring the planes to the Ministry of Defense in Uzbekistan.
The airlines then had announced its plan to launch a regional carrier in the country during the fall of 2019. The airlines had intended to lease 2-3 aircraft for the initial service and gradually increase the fleet size. Later, the airline’s management announced the problems with the conclusion of the service contract at the Uzbek airport in September 2020, also announcing its flight plans to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kazakhstan, including flights to other Russian cities.
