Today, an Airbus A330-200P2F cargo aircraft has landed at the International Airport of the Turkmen capital. This is the second of two modern aircrafts of this modification, for the purchase of which, in accordance with the relevant Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, the “Türkmenhowaýollary” Agency signed a contract with Airbus S.A.S. (Republic of France) in January 2021.

The intensive expansion of the cargo air fleet is aimed at maximizing the use of advantageous geographical position of the country, which allows it to become a transport and transit hub on a continental scale, a promising area for expanding international trade. In this regard, it should be noted that Turkmen airlines became the first in Central Asia with Airbus A330-200P2F aircrafts in its fleet.

The acquisition of such modern airliners, along with strengthening the material and technical resources of the industry, will contribute to expanding the capabilities of national civil aviation, meeting demand in this area, carrying out air cargo transportation at a high level and creating favorable conditions for strengthening trade and economic relations with the countries of the world.

Cargo aircrafts are optimized for transporting freights of various configurations over long distances due to their more than 13 thousand kilometers flight range, and their design that allows carrying up to 60 tons of cargo. The most advanced developments are used in navigation equipment and electronic “stuffing” of aircrafts.

By the way, today the air fleet of our country has airliners from well-known world manufacturers.

It should be noted that in recent years, the flight and engineering staff of Turkmen aviators has been brought to a solid level of qualification and skill in the operation of modern aircrafts. Short-term courses and training are organized for the flight crews, flight attendants, employees of transportation services, aviation security, etc. For example, pilots and maintenance specialists for Airbus A330-200P2F cargo aircrafts underwent retraining in Singapore and France.

Modern trends in development of the national economy, as well as the increase in the wellbeing of citizens, necessiate the opening of new international flights, especially since the technical equipment and modern fleet of airliners of the “Türkmenhowaýollary” Agency allows actively developing air transportation and expanding the list of cargo destinations.

Implementing the provisions outlined by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the “Türkmenhowaýollary” Agency to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign partners in the field of air cargo transportation, Turkmenistan ensures their efficiency and reliability, providing a high level of transportation services in full compliance with international standards. Today, not only the capital’s airport, but also airports in the regions of the country are capable of receiving aircrafts of almost any type and carrying capacity.

In recent years, domestic civil aviation has been developing at a high pace, establishing the position as one of the leading sectors of the economy. Fulfilling the provisions set by the National Program for the Development of Civil Aviation of Turkmenistan for 2012-2030, air transport workers are successfully handling the increasing volumes of passenger and cargo transportation. Its implementation provides for the expansion of existing production capacities, completing the industry with the latest equipment, training highly qualified professionals, purchasing state-of-the-art aircrafts, improving the culture and quality of services provided to passengers, as well as flight safety, etc.

One of the key objectives of this far-sighted strategy is the comprehensive development of the transport sector, where Turkmenistan, located at the crossroads of routes linking East and West, Asia and Europe, in the heart of the legendary Great Silk Road, which is now restored in new historical conditions, has an impressive potential. Specific initiatives of Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov are aimed at creating an extensive multimodal transport and transit infrastructure, which opens up broad prospects for productive cooperation in the regional and global dimensions.

Thus, the replenishment of the domestic fleet with European airbuses will not only help meet the growing demand for air cargo transportation, but it will also make an important contribution to the successful implementation of the “open door” and broad international cooperation policy being pursued by the President of the country, the strengthening of trade, economic and humanitarian relations, opening up broad opportunities for further integration of our Homeland into the system of world economic relations.

In the speeches of domestic and foreign participants in the event, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan fulfills all its obligations under international conventions regulating activities in the field of civil aviation, strictly complies with international standards for the safety of airports and aircraft flights, the formation of crews and ground personnel.

Particular importance in this regard is attached to cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations, as well as with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Jointly with their professionals, work is carried out on all components of airport and air traffic management. Working meetings and consultations are held on a planned basis concerning the best world practice in the application of aviation security standards, the introduction of modern technologies, etc.

According to national tradition, representatives of the older generation performed a rite of blessing at the Ashgabat International Airport on the occasion of the delivery of another cargo airplane and prayed for the prosperity of the Homeland under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the period of the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State.