Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Silk Avia and the French-Italian concern ATR have signed a basic agreement to purchase five new ATR 72-600 aircraft, three directly from the manufacturer and two from the lessor. An agreement on the purchase of aircraft for the first regional airline of Uzbekistan was signed in Paris on the eve of the official visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to France.

“We are very pleased that our airline will start flying on ATR aircraft in the near future. As a new low cost airline, we have done a thorough analysis of which aircraft would be the best solution for us. The ATR 72-600 is one of the most popular short haul aircraft in the world. An economical low-cost aircraft that consumes four times less fuel than the A320 will allow us to offer passengers reliability and comfort at an affordable price,” said Rano Juraeva, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airports.

As part of the meeting in Paris, Silk Avia and ATR also signed a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA). The five-year, hourly contract will significantly reduce maintenance costs and increase productivity. The contract includes maintenance and overhaul, replacement of linear-replaceable units, a reserve of spare parts and maintenance services.

“In a rapidly growing country like Uzbekistan, Silk Avia will play a key role in developing domestic tourism and stimulating the economy. Studies have shown that a 10% increase in regional flights can lead to a 5% increase in local GDP, and ATR is doing its part by providing reliable and affordable regional aircraft. We are pleased to welcome Silk Avia as our new partner, opening up a new market for ATR in Central Asia,” said Natalie Tarno Laud, CEO of ATR.

As part of the agreement, Silk Avia will receive aircraft equipped with new generation PW127XT engines, which provide a 20% reduction in maintenance costs and a 3% reduction in fuel consumption compared to existing engines. Silk Avia aircraft will be the first new ATRs to fly in Central Asia.