Silk Avia Signs HOA for Five ATR 72-600 Aircraft

(24/11/22)  Silk Avia, a new Uzbekistan-based regional airline, has signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) for the acquisition of five new ATR 72-600, three directly from ATR and two from a lessor.

In addition to this deal, the airline is expected to soon start operations with three used ATR 72-600s.

The ATR 72-600 aircraft will be equipped with PW127XT engines, offering a 20% reduction in maintenance costs and a 3% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous engine types.

Silk Avia’s owner, Uzbekistan Airports, has invested heavily in establishing a wide network of upgraded and new airports to better serve the domestic and regional market. Silk Avia will be used to stimulate tourism, business development, and increase regional connectivity to the capital of Tashkent.

Silk Avia ATR 72-600

The ATR turboprops will open up new point to point opportunities, serving around 40 routes in the country. They will connect 11 domestic airports, and 7 additional airports in the future, supporting the growth of the country and its thriving tourism industry.

Rano Dzhuraeva, Chair of Uzbekistan Airports, said, “We are excited to be soon launching our operations with an all-ATR fleet. As a new low-cost airline, we undertook an extensive review of which aircraft would provide the best solution. Our selection of the ATR 72-600 is the perfect choice for us as they will ensure we can offer our passengers the most modern, comfortable and reliable experience in the most affordable and sustainable way.”

Silk Avia has also signed a 5-year, pay-by-the-hour Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) with ATR which will help the airline reduce maintenance costs while boosting operations.

The contract includes the repair, overhaul and Line Replaceable Unit Pool Exchange Service, an on-site stock of spare parts, a spare part agreement, along with propeller availability and maintenance services.

“There is no better solution to provide essential links than an ATR 72-600, the sustainable benchmark in regional aviation today,” said ATR Chief Executive Officer, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude. “In a fast-growing country such as Uzbekistan, Silk Avia will play a key role by offering vital links for local communities and boosting the economy. Studies have shown that an increase of 10% in regional flights can lead to a 5% increase in local GDP and ATR contributes by providing the most responsible and affordable regional aircraft. We warmly welcome Silk Avia as one of our newest customers, opening a new market for ATR in Central Asia.”

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