On January 16, the president instructed that $400 million be attracted to the transportation sector from international financial markets, with $100 million allocated for Uzbekistan Airways. Khudaykulov expressed confidence that the airline would sign an agreement with Germany's Deutsche Bank to secure financing "in the coming months."
According to Khudaykulov, the funds raised will primarily be used to improve the airline's infrastructure and expand its fleet. Specifically, between 2028 and 2030, 14 Airbus aircraft, contracted during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's visit to France, will be delivered. Uzbekistan Airways has already started making payments for this contract using its own funds, and additional loans will be directed toward these goals.
"This year, the airline will sign a memorandum with Boeing. We are currently finalizing the details for the delivery of 14 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners between 2029 and 2032. The estimated cost of the project is $2 billion," Khudaykulov stated.
He also emphasized that the $100 million expected to be raised this year is just the "beginning of the effort," which will continue in the future.
According to the Planespotters portal, Uzbekistan Airways currently operates six Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The first one was delivered in August 2016, and the most recent one arrived in April 2021.