BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 25. Uzbekistan Airports and Singapore's Changi Airports International have signed an agreement for joint development of Tashkent International Airport, Trend reports.
The relevant document was inked between Rano Juraeva, Chairman of Uzbekistan Airports, and Eugene Gan, CEO of Changi Airports, on the sidelines of the Uzbekistan-Singapore Business Forum held in Tashkent on May 24.
As chairman of Uzbekistan Airports noted, Tashkent holds tremendous export potential as an international hub capable of connecting Europe and Asia.
"However, the existing airport faces numerous constraints as it is practically located in the city center, which has undergone significant development. Analyzing passenger traffic, we conclude that growth is occurring at a rapid pace. Today, during peak hours, terminals struggle to accommodate passengers, and there is a shortage of aircraft parking. Therefore, we are exploring the construction of a new airport. As consultants, we have invited the world's best airport, Changi Airports International. Their task is to assist us in developing a technical and economic feasibility study, taking into account the establishment of an international hub and the application of the most advanced airport technologies in the construction of the new airfield. Additionally, representatives from CAI will provide consultation to optimize the operations of the existing airport in terms of aviation and non-aviation activities," she explained.
According to Uzbekistan Airports' analysts, the passenger traffic of the country's main air hub reached 5 million passengers in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This year, the forecast predicts approximately 8 million passengers. After the signing of the agreement, the parties will immediately commence work in two directions: optimizing the operations of the existing airport, including enhancing competitiveness and passenger service quality, implementing advanced technologies, and increasing passenger traffic. Simultaneously, a technical and economic justification for the new airport project in Tashkent will be developed.
"Changi Airports International is delighted to collaborate with Uzbekistan Airports. Uzbekistan is one of the fastest-growing countries in the Central Asian region, with great potential for business and tourism. We look forward to sharing our expertise in airport development and management to optimize the capacity, operational standards, and financial performance of the existing Tashkent airport, as well as supporting plans for the development of the new airport," noted Eugene Gan, CEO of Changi Airports International.