Silk Avia, a new Uzbekistan-based regional airline,
has signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) for the acquisition of five
new ATR 72-600, three directly from ATR and two from a lessor.
In
addition to this deal, the airline is expected to soon start
operations with three used ATR 72-600s.
The ATR 72-600 aircraft will be equipped with PW127XT engines, offering a 20% reduction in maintenance costs
and a 3% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous
engine types.
Silk
Avia’s owner, Uzbekistan Airports, has invested heavily in
establishing a wide network of upgraded and new airports to better
serve the domestic and regional market. Silk Avia will be used to stimulate tourism, business
development, and increase regional connectivity
to the capital of Tashkent.
The ATR turboprops will open up new point to point
opportunities, serving around 40 routes in the country. They will
connect 11 domestic airports, and 7 additional airports in the
future, supporting the growth of the country and its thriving
tourism industry.
Rano
Dzhuraeva, Chair of Uzbekistan Airports, said, “We are excited to
be soon launching our operations with an all-ATR fleet. As a new
low-cost airline, we undertook an extensive review of which
aircraft would provide the best solution. Our selection of the ATR
72-600 is the perfect choice for us as they will ensure we can
offer our passengers the most modern, comfortable and reliable
experience in the most affordable and sustainable way.”
Silk Avia has also signed a 5-year,
pay-by-the-hour Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) with ATR which
will help the airline reduce maintenance costs while
boosting operations.
The contract includes the repair, overhaul
and Line Replaceable Unit Pool Exchange Service, an on-site stock
of spare parts, a spare part agreement, along with propeller
availability and maintenance services.
“There is no better solution to provide essential links
than an ATR 72-600, the sustainable benchmark in regional aviation
today,” said ATR Chief Executive Officer, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude.
“In a fast-growing country such as Uzbekistan, Silk Avia
will play a key role by offering vital links for local communities
and boosting the economy. Studies have shown that an increase of
10% in regional flights can lead to a 5% increase in local GDP and
ATR contributes by providing the most responsible and affordable
regional aircraft. We warmly welcome Silk Avia as one of our
newest customers, opening a new market for ATR in Central Asia.”
