Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- From 17 to 21 June, the "China-Central Asia Civil Aviation C5+1 Conference" was held in Xi’an, China, where discussions were held on amendments to the bilateral air transportation agreement between the aviation administrations of Uzbekistan and China, increasing the number of flights, and opening new air corridors.

During the negotiations, Uzbekistan proposed lifting restrictions on the number of airlines and flight points, increasing the number of flights to 100 per week (50 from each side), expanding the geography of flights, and opening new air corridors.

Given the high level of relations between the countries, further cooperation in civil aviation and liberalization of the air transport market were discussed.

As a result of the negotiations, a corresponding document was signed and the following agreements were reached:

- The number of airlines authorized for regular flights between Uzbekistan and China has doubled.

- Uzbek airlines are now permitted to operate regular flights from all airports in Uzbekistan to 12 cities in China.

- Chinese airlines have the right to operate regular flights from any city in China to international airports in all regions of Uzbekistan.

- The number of regular passenger flights between the two countries will increase to 100 per week (50 from each side).

- Designated airlines have been granted fifth freedom rights for cargo flights to third countries with 21 flights per week.

- Chinese airlines have fifth freedom rights for passenger flights to Samarkand and Nukus, and Uzbek airlines to Xi’an and Chengdu, with 7 flights per week in each direction.

- Uzbek airlines have the right to use the "special open sky" regime at international airports in Haikou, Sanya, and Xunhai on the coast for flights under fifth freedom.

- Agreements were reached on codesharing, airspace compliance, and charter flights.

These agreements contribute to the implementation of comprehensive reforms in Uzbekistan’s civil aviation sector and transform the industry into an economic driver for the country. By the end of the year, the Ministry of Transport plans to sign additional agreements with other countries to increase air transport volumes and develop the aviation industry.