Regional aircraft lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) and ATR, the regional aircraft manufacturer, have jointly announced the successful delivery of the first new ATR 72-600 to Uzbekistan’s airline Silk Avia. This historic milestone marks the commencement of a new era for regional connectivity in Central Asia.
The ATR 72-600, part of an order announced in November 2022 during the visit of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in Paris, is the first new ATR aircraft ever delivered to Central Asia. The contract includes a total of five new ATR 72-600 aircraft, with two provided by NAC and three directly by the manufacturer.
With advanced technology, superior economics, and unrivalled versatility, the ATR 72-600 will contribute to the development of regional connectivity in Uzbekistan and surrounding countries. As Silk Avia becomes part of Uzbekistan Airways, the airline will integrate these brand-new aircraft into its existing ATR fleet, expanding its ability to serve a broader range of destinations and meet the growing demand for efficient and low-emission regional air travel.
Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airways, expressed, “Silk Avia, which has become a part of Uzbekistan Airways Group, has set an ambitious goal to become a leader in air transportation on domestic routes of the country. It is planned to constantly expand the route network, increase the number of flights and efficiently operate them with new ATR 72-600. This type of aircraft will help to provide the necessary conditions for a comfortable flight. Moreover, our common goal, the goal of New Uzbekistan, is to make flights affordable and develop domestic tourism of the country. It will undoubtedly be achieved through flights on ATR brand turboprops.
