BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. Uzbekistan Airways
and China's China Southern Airlines have signed a codeshare
agreement that will allow passengers to book flights operated by
either carrier through a single reservation system, expanding
travel options between Uzbekistan and China.
This was reflected in the statement by the Uzbekistan
Airways.
The partnership covers Uzbekistan Airways' flights from Tashkent
to Beijing Daxing, Guangzhou, Urumqi and Hangzhou, as well as China
Southern-operated services from Beijing Daxing, Guangzhou and
Urumqi to Tashkent, according to the airline.
The agreement is expected to provide passengers with greater
flexibility when planning travel while strengthening air
connectivity between the two countries.
"China is one of our key markets. In May this year, we launched
a new route between Tashkent and Guangzhou, and we are already
seeing strong demand and steady passenger growth," Umid Khusanov,
First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Uzbekistan
Airways, said in a statement.
"Partnership with China Southern Airlines will strengthen our
position in the Asian market and give passengers greater freedom
and convenience in planning their journeys," he added.
China Southern Airlines also described Uzbekistan as an
important market. "China Southern has always attached great
importance to the Uzbekistan market. Our partnership with
Uzbekistan Airways will strengthen our regional route network,
expand our product offering and provide new momentum for the
development of the Silk Road Economic Belt," Zhang Dongsheng,
Deputy General Manager of China Southern Airlines' Commercial
Management Committee, said.
The codeshare agreement enables each airline to market seats on
selected flights operated by the other carrier, allowing customers
to purchase tickets through their preferred airline while
benefiting from a broader network of destinations and more
convenient travel itineraries. Uzbekistan Airways said tickets for
the partner flights will be available soon through its official
website, mobile application, sales offices and authorized travel
agents.
The agreement comes as Uzbekistan expands aviation links with
Asia amid growing business, tourism and trade ties with China.
Strengthening connectivity with one of China's largest airlines is
expected to enhance Tashkent's role as a regional transit hub,
support rising passenger demand and facilitate closer economic and
cultural exchanges between the two countries.
