Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Nov. 10 / Trend D. Azizov /
Uzbekistan Airways increased passenger transportation by 15.1 percent in January-September compared to 1.604 million passengers during the same period last year.
The airline made 17,808 flights in January-September, or 1.1 percent fewer flight than during the same period last ear. The number of passengers transported per flight increased from 101 to 112 people compared to the same period in 2009.
Uzbekistan Airways transported 35,000 tons of cargo in January-September, or 83.2 percent more than during the same period last year.
According to the company, the growth in freight traffic was observed due to increased traffic from the Navoi International Airport.
Uzbekistan Airways transported 8.1 percent fewer passengers in 2009 than in 2008. Freight traffic last year increased by 20.3 percent to 26.700 tons.
Uzbekistan Airways, the monopoly carrier in Uzbekistan, is wholly owned by the state.
The fleet consists of 18 Western planes, including 10 Boeing jets, three Airbus A-310s, three medium-RJ-85s and two cargo A300-600Fs, as well as 15 Soviet aircrafts.
The airline plans to buy 16 more Western aircrafts - Boeings and Airbuses worth $1.136 billion from 2010 to 2016.
According to the airline, about 156 aviation engineering service specialists were trained to develop a full-service commissioned A320 this year. About 46 more people will be trained by late 2010 and 94 employees in 2011.
Uzbekistan Airways Technics has also developed and approved an A320 maintenance program. Maps for operational maintenance and interval work have also been created.
The company makes flights to 21 cities in Europe, the United States, Middle East and Asia, as well as 22 cities in the CIS, and 11 local destinations.