newstodate.aero

Jun 04, 2024 (newstodate): Latvia is working hard to see the launch of a new scheduled freighter service connecting Riga and Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
   In May 2024, a delegation led by the CEO of the new Uzbek cargo carrier FlyKhiva - operating one Boeing 767-300 freighter leased from Icelandair - visited Latvia to promote an increase in the volume of exports of primarily fruits and vegetables, textiles and other products from Uzbekistan to Latvia and other EU countries.
   -I can confirm that there is indeed an intention to launch an air cargo supply chain between Uzbekistan and Latvia, says Eligijus Jentkus, Riga Airport, Head of Air Cargo Development.
   -The idea is not new; we have been working on this for many years, but right now stakeholders including freight forwarders, airlines and the airport are working in-house on issues of demand, volumes and organizational matters.  
   -The exact time for launching the service is not set yet, but I am sure it will be announced later this summer. The process is rather tough as we are aiming at a long-term regular program, says Mr Jentkus.
   Actually, Latvia and Uzbekistan share a history of air services, as Uzbekistan Airways was using Riga Airport as a transit hub on its twice-weekly flights between Tashkent and New York since October 2004.
   The en-route stop at Riga Airport was however cut as Uzbekistan Airways introduced the Boeing 787-7 aircraft on the route from July 27, 2017, as the aircraft was fully capable of flying the route non-stop.
   On the passenger side, Uzbekistan Airways is still operating flights connecting Riga And Tashkent, with frequency up to four weekly flights in this summer schedule.