dallas – For generations, Uzbekistan has been a prominent cultural and religious center. Despite its rich history dating back to 7,000 BC, the country has long been far from a tourist destination for many travelers. In 2016, a government ordinance was issued to gradually ease border controls. Citizens of approximately 100 countries can now visit Uzbekistan without first obtaining a visa.
The city of Samarkand is one of the most important historical sites in the region and the second largest city in Uzbekistan. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights the city’s historical importance. International travel to Samarkand typically required transiting through other cities such as Istanbul, Dubai, and Tashkent. Despite having a population of approximately 1 million people, there used to be few direct connections with other countries outside of the local area.
first flight
Samarkand Airlines (9S) has received regulatory approval to begin operations on December 27, 2023. Two days later, the airline operated its first charter flight to and from Istanbul Airport (IST) in his A330-300, registration UK33001. The airline’s CEO, Anton Kojayan, granted Airways an exclusive interview and spoke in detail about its expansion goals.
Since April 2022, the 37-year-old has been leading the 9S launch project. His expertise in Uzbekistan’s aviation sector now spans over 10 years, with his aviation career including working for the national airline Uzbekistan Airlines (HY) and a supervisory role at the country’s airport operator. Masu.
The airline currently operates one Airbus A330-300 and one A321ceo, both of which were delivered in November 2023. Additionally, at the time of writing, two A321neo aircraft are being configured and could be delivered “in the coming weeks,” the person said. Kojayan.
For a more detailed analysis, the CEO said the company will focus on its A330 and A320/321 fleet for future growth. Looking ahead, the company plans to have four aircraft in service by the end of the first quarter of 2024, and up to eight by 2025.
future vision
The CEO explained that the company’s founders are a collection of individual investors and entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan. Bakhtiyor Fazilov, a native of Samarkand, is the main investor in the airline and the country’s entire tourism sector, including the new Silk Road-Samarkand tourist complex. It will be Central Asia’s first international tourist resort and will include four- and five-star hotels.
In April 2020, new airlines were able to operate in Uzbekistan due to government deregulation. 9S is the only Uzbek airline with a base bearing its name, but other Uzbek airlines enjoy a level playing field as well.
In addition to the new airline, the city has a new terminal facility that opened last year. The city’s first terminal was built 32 years earlier, but due to slowing economic and tourist growth, a replacement terminal was not considered an immediate concern.
An airport worthy of praise
Samarkand International Airport (SKD) has already reported that the number of passengers at the new airport has doubled, passing the one million milestone for the first time. It is noteworthy that this surge in passenger throughput occurred before 9S took to the skies, highlighting that 2024 will be a significant turning point for Uzbekistan’s gateway.
The new terminal has a roof inspired by a bird’s wing and can accommodate two wide-body or four narrow-body aircraft simultaneously via jet bridge access. Kojayan is enthusiastic about the new terminal, calling it “first class” and befitting a city of such natural and cultural importance.
The CEO described the growth potential as “limitless”, matching this with the “huge” interest in previously untapped tourism.
“We are not limited to connecting services from Istanbul, Dubai, or other cities. So we’re filling a gap for airlines in this market.”
Mr. Anton Kozhayan, CEO of Samarkand Airlines
From a local perspective, the airline believes it can serve Samarkand and its surrounding catchment area of 12.6 million people. Kozhayan said these residents are “forced to endure time-wasting flight connections at Tashkent and other regional airports to reach major international destinations.”
Target market
When asked whether the company would continue to focus on the charter market or whether scheduled routes would be added in the future, Kojayan said the immediate focus would be on the charter market. However, scheduled routes are expected to begin by the end of March 2024, coinciding with the start of the industry’s summer season.
Mr Kojayan hinted at what the first route offering would include, naming Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and China as potential destinations. Istanbul will continue to be the central city of 9S, and services to Istanbul (IST) will be launched soon. The airline’s initial expansion appears to be focused on the East, but the CEO has expressed a desire to expand into the Middle East and Europe, but declined to say when.
Before exploring new markets, 9S focuses on what he characterizes as “pent-up demand.” Given that there is currently no connection between SKD and the Far East, this would seem to be consistent with its original desire to expand eastward.
Cabin provision
With two cabin classes available, the 9S offers a full-service experience for all passengers. Hot meals, drinks and baggage allowances are included in all fare categories. In addition, all passengers will be provided with blankets and pillows, as well as an amenity pack for business class travelers. “We will make every effort to make tickets available at very low prices,” Kojayan said, outlining a number of service features.
Given SKD’s strategic location, the CEO was asked if it would be possible to offer connections via base airports. “We are also working with Air Maracanda, the impressive new airport management and ground handling company, to ensure we provide efficient intertransfer services to these customers,” he said. I did.
9S, along with SKD’s new modern handsets, touts its offering in a more premium segment of the market, with the operator looking to leverage the benefits of premium services combined with modern and compact handsets. , may be in a very good position to offer attractive connections.
potential partnership
In addition to this possibility, there are also plans to negotiate cooperation agreements with other airlines to offer customers convenient connections on SKD. The CEO further stated that the airline has a strong working relationship with Maracanda Airways, ensuring efficient inter-connection services for passengers.
Reflecting on the changes in Uzbekistan’s aviation landscape, the CEO said that government policies and developments, public and private investments, infrastructure and equipment contributed to the decision to launch 9S. Kojayan pointed to the importance of the timing of the aircraft carrier launch, describing it as an accomplishment that would have been impossible 10 years ago.
“For other airlines, Samarkand is the final destination, but for Samarkand Airlines it is the starting point,” he said.
Featured image: Air Samarkand’s first Airbus A330 pictured at its home airport.Photo: Samarkand Airlines