Uzbek media reports say Uzbekistan plans to purchase 17 aircraft from France in the amount of 800 million euros.

UzDaily reports that the corresponding agreement was reached during the visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to France.

In particular, Uzbekistan will purchase 12 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, as well as 5 ATR 72-600 aircraft, according to UzDaily.  Uzbekistan reportedly also intends to purchase two Airbus H145 helicopters. 

Daryo reports that Uzbekistan Airways and Airbus signed agreements on November 22.  The documents were inked by the Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan Ilhom Mahkamov and the Vice President of Airbus International for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Jacques Garrige.  

Silk Avia and the Franco-Italian concern ATR reportedly signed the main contract for the purchase of five new ATR 72-600 aircraft, three directly from the manufacturer and two from the lessor.

As part of the meeting in Paris, Silk Avia and ATR also signed a global maintenance agreement, according to Daryo.  The contract significantly reduces maintenance costs and increases productivity. The document includes maintenance and capital repairs, unit replacement, and spare parts stock.

As part of the agreement, Silk Avia will receive aircraft equipped with the new generation PW127XT engines, which will provide a 20 per cent reduction in maintenance costs and a 3-percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to existing engines.