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Uzbekistan to Launch VIP Air Taxi Service in Partnership with UAE’s JETEX

During President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates on January 13, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport signed a memorandum of cooperation with JETEX, a leading UAE-based aviation services company. The agreement, signed by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov and JETEX founder Adel Mardini, sets the stage for ambitious projects in Uzbekistan’s civil aviation sector. One of the cornerstone initiatives involves JETEX providing Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services for VIP and CIP (Commercially Important Passenger) customers at Tashkent-East Airport through a public-private partnership. This project will also include the repair, sale, and maintenance of small aircraft, along with the launch of VIP air taxi services. These efforts aim to strengthen Uzbekistan’s tourism industry and elevate the travel experience for high-end customers. According to officials, the project is expected to improve the quality of passenger services and enhance Tashkent’s reputation as an attractive and prestigious destination. Moreover, it is anticipated to generate over 200 jobs in Uzbekistan’s business aviation sector, contributing to the nation’s economic growth. Founded in 2005, JETEX has become a global leader in business aviation services, with operations in over 50 locations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Americas. The company’s expertise in Fixed Base Operator services ensures reliable and sustainable growth in the business aviation sector. Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) provide essential airport services such as aircraft refueling, parking, hangar maintenance, repair, charter sales, and other aviation-related services. These facilities cater to private and business aviation, ensuring high-quality services for operators and passengers. The partnership with JETEX marks a significant step forward in modernizing Uzbekistan’s aviation infrastructure and expanding its footprint in the global business aviation market.

Transport Social Public health public transport Social Services

Kazakhstan Expands Invataxi Services with Taxi Aggregator Partnership

Kazakhstan is expanding its efforts to provide accessible transportation for people with disabilities through the Invataxi project, which offers specially adapted minivans for travelers with mobility challenges. In a significant step forward, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population has partnered with a taxi aggregator to enhance and streamline the service, making it more accessible and efficient. As part of a pilot project launched in 2024, people with disabilities in Astana and Almaty used Invataxi services via the Yandex Go mobile application more than 207,000 times. This marks a dramatic increase compared to 2023 when the service was used 53,900 times. The pilot project introduced the use of passenger cars alongside the adapted minivans, significantly broadening the availability of transportation options. Previously, users had to book Invataxi rides by phone at least a day in advance. Now, thanks to Yandex's integration, users can request rides instantly via the mobile app, making the process faster and more convenient. A critical aspect of the pilot was that Yandex waived any commission on payments for these rides, ensuring affordability for passengers. The Yandex Go application includes a special feature that allows passengers with disabilities to notify drivers of any specific requests for the trip. Additionally, drivers have been trained to assist passengers with disabilities in entering and exiting the vehicle, further enhancing the service's accessibility. The pilot project initially operated in Astana and Almaty but will now be expanded to other regions across the country in 2025, as part of the government’s plan to replicate its success nationwide. In parallel with the Invataxi project, Kazakhstan is also investing in other accessible transportation initiatives, including the expansion of its fleet of Invacarriages specially adapted train carriages designed to accommodate people with disabilities. These efforts underscore the country’s commitment to improving mobility and inclusivity for all its citizens.

Transport Regional Cooperation Regional Development Transportation public transport

Uzbekistan to Launch Bus Routes to Central Asian Countries, Russia, and China

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport has unveiled plans to establish new international passenger bus routes connecting regions of Uzbekistan to cities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Russia, and China. The initiative aims to increase the share of bus transportation in Uzbekistan’s international passenger traffic, which is currently dominated by air travel. Planned Routes Kazakhstan Bukhara – Turkestan Urgench – Aktau Fergana – Almaty Kyrgyzstan Andijan – Osh Andijan – Jalalabad Andijan – Arslanbob Kosonsoy – Jalalabad Bukhara – Bishkek Tajikistan Samarkand – Dushanbe Bukhara – Dushanbe Russia Surkhandarya – Bukhara – Urgench – Nukus – Moscow Urgench – Nukus – Ufa Nukus – Krasnodar Tashkent – Ufa Tashkent – Krasnodar China Nukus – Urgench – Bukhara – Urumqi (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region) The Ministry has invited both domestic and international transport companies to apply for the operation of regular bus services on these proposed routes.

public transport Digital Technologies Digitalization

You Can Now Pay Your Fare on Tashkent’s Subway with the Palm of Your Hand

The Tashkent subway has introduced a pilot project for the “MyID Palm” fare payment system, which uses biometric technology to identify passengers by the unique vein pattern in their palms. This innovative system was developed by local scientists in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, the payment service “ATTO,” and Octobank. It marks a significant advancement in biometric identification for public transportation. The system relies on palm vein scanners to read each passenger's unique vein pattern. According to the developers, this data is securely protected against unauthorized access and forgery. The goal of the technology is to enhance both security and convenience in fare payments. Currently, “MyID Palm” devices have been installed at 12 stations along the Chilanzar line, where they are operating in test mode. Plans are underway to expand this system to all metro stations in Tashkent. To use the service, passengers need an “ATTO” transportation card and the associated mobile application to create a biometric profile. The activation process involves scanning their palm at a designated info kiosk located at one of the stations equipped with the technology. Testing of the palm payment system began in late October 2023, with Druzhba Narodov station becoming the first to enable this feature. Earlier, in September 2023, the Tashkent subway began testing a Face ID payment system, which allows passengers to pay their fare using facial recognition technology. These advancements signal a move toward a more modernized and user-friendly public transportation system in Uzbekistan's capital, with both residents and visitors benefiting from the improved efficiency and security of biometric payment solutions.

public transport Social Services Court Cases Government Transport

Bishkek Court Upholds Decision to Dismantle Trolleybus Lines

The Bishkek Administrative Court has ruled in favor of a decision by the city's Mayor’s Office to dismantle trolleybus lines legally. Representatives of the municipality successfully argued the legality of their actions. The city government plans to completely replace trolleybuses, an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, with buses. To implement this plan, workers have reportedly cut power lines at night, causing widespread transportation disruptions. This move has faced significant backlash from Bishkek residents, who filed a lawsuit and lodged a complaint with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which had financed the purchase of new trolleybuses. This decision follows months of controversy. Previously The Times of Central Asia reported that activists had opposed the dismantling of trolleybus lines, labeling the actions as illegal. A month ago, the same court had deemed the municipality’s actions unlawful after city officials failed to appear in court or provide necessary documentation. Municipal authorities argue that trolleybus operations are financially unsustainable and require substantial investment to maintain the infrastructure. “The city hall continues to work on improving urban space, modernizing public transport, and enhancing infrastructure to make the city safer, more comfortable, and attractive for residents and guests of the capital,” the municipality said. However, activist Bermet Borubayeva and other advocates for the preservation of trolleybuses expressed disappointment with the court’s decision. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Borubayeva criticized the ruling, noting that the mayor’s office had only substantiated the dismantling of lines on a few streets, not across the entire city. “Residents demand transparency and legality in the actions of the authorities and will continue to fight for the preservation of trolleybuses. Despite the wrongful actions of city officials, the judge recognizes them as legal. This ignores the interests of the plaintiffs,” Borubayeva said. Human rights groups have vowed to challenge the court’s decision. A new trial concerning Bishkek’s trolleybuses is scheduled for January 13.

Legislation Parliament Air Astana public transport

Kazakh MP Zhanbyrshin Criticizes Air Astana

Kazakh MP Yedil Zhanbyrshin has voiced strong criticism of Air Astana, calling for more Kazakh-language content on its flights and denouncing the airline’s complex refund and compensation processes. Zhanbyrshin directed his remarks at Air Astana CEO Peter Foster, emphasizing the need for the airline to prioritize the Kazakh language, particularly for flights operating within Kazakhstan. “We have repeatedly raised this issue, and it is time to bring the situation in line with the country’s laws. Onboard content is predominantly presented in another language, with Kazakh rarely used. Why is the state language not given priority?” the MP stressed. He further reminded the airline of its obligation to comply with national laws and uphold citizens’ rights. “Mr. Foster, when you first came to Parliament, you were asked only a couple of questions. Working here, you must protect the rights of Kazakhstanis, honor and respect the country’s laws, and create appropriate conditions. Don’t laugh! It’s not funny. You are sitting here, treating us as if we are not people. We are not aborigines in Africa [sic] who don’t understand anything. Don’t play with us, laughing in our faces. This is Parliament! We are representatives of the people, elected by the people,” Zhanbyrshin declared. Zhanbyrshin also criticized the airline’s refund policies, describing them as excessively convoluted. He recounted his personal experience of trying unsuccessfully for five months to secure compensation for a 12-hour flight delay. “It is almost impossible for an ordinary person to navigate the application process and find the necessary information on the website. This is a deliberately complicated process,” he said. He urged other airlines, including SCAT, to simplify their procedures. Zhanbyrshin’s comments follow another controversy involving Air Astana. In November, MP Irina Smirnova sued the airline after her flight was rescheduled at only seven hours' notice. Smirnova sought moral compensation of one tenge for the inconvenience but lost the case. She has since announced plans to appeal.