The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is expanding into Tashkent with a new office and upcoming BSP launch, boosting aviation safety, financial efficiency, and global connectivity as Uzbekistan positions itself as a rising Central Asian aviation hub.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced a significant step in strengthening its footprint in Central Asia by establishing a permanent office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Alongside this expansion, IATA is preparing to introduce its Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) in the country before the end of the year—marking a major milestone for Uzbekistan’s aviation sector.
Strengthening a Rising Aviation Market
IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) represents and serves airlines with advocacy and global standards for safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability.
“Uzbekistan is a growing market that is taking a leading position in Central Asia for passenger and cargo traffic,” said Rafael Schvartzman. He emphasizes that the new IATA office will provide strategic support to enhance aviation safety, operational efficiency, and the implementation of global standards across airlines and airports.
“With the opening of our office, IATA experts will be more available to assist airlines and airports,” Schvartzman added, highlighting the importance of closer collaboration on safety and operational excellence.
BSP to Unlock Global Opportunities
A key component of this expansion is the introduction of the BSP system. This globally recognized platform simplifies financial transactions between airlines and travel agents, enabling more efficient ticket sales processing and broader global distribution.
According to Schvartzman, “The BSP will give airlines cost-effective access to global financial transaction processing while enabling global product distribution,” ultimately supporting stronger international connectivity.
Uzbekistan’s Strategic Aviation Vision
Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a regional aviation hub, leveraging its geographic location to connect Asia, Europe, and neighboring regions. IATA projects a 3.3% annual growth in revenue passenger kilometers between 2024 and 2050—slightly above the global average of 3.1%.
To fully realize this potential, several priorities have been identified:
- Global standards adoption: Implementing programs like the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) to enhance airline safety credibility.
- Infrastructure development: New airport projects in Tashkent, Bukhara, and Urgench aim to increase capacity, although cost-efficiency and airline collaboration remain essential.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Uzbekistan has strong potential to develop SAF using its Gas-to-Liquids expertise, supporting both environmental goals and energy security.
Aviation’s Economic Impact
Aviation already plays a meaningful role in Uzbekistan’s economy:
- Direct aviation employment: 12,400 jobs
- Total contribution to GDP: USD 795.5 million (0.9%)
- Total jobs supported: 128,000
- Tourism contribution via aviation: USD 282.9 million
- International tourism impact: USD 2 billion annually
Cargo is also on the rise, with 66,600 tonnes transported in 2023supported by infrastructure such as Tashkent’s new cargo terminal and the expanding cargo hub in Navoi.
Looking Ahead
With the establishment of its Tashkent office and the upcoming BSP launch, IATA is positioning itself as a key partner in Uzbekistan’s aviation growth story. The combination of strategic location, infrastructure investment, and policy alignment could significantly boost the country’s role in global air connectivity.
As Schvartzman concluded, IATA is ready “to be a proactive support in building this future.”