Liege Airport and Fly Khiva Group announced the start of operations with a Boeing 767-300 BCF aircraft on 6 August.

In 2024, as a cargo airline, Fly Khiva Group has adapted its route network to include flights to Europe, China, Southeast Asia, the CIS, the Middle East, and Africa. The airline provides services for organizing charter cargo flights on Boeing 767-300F transport aircraft under its own flag.

Fly Khiva Group was founded in the city of Khiva, Uzbekistan with the aim of developing passenger, cargo, and business aviation, as well as operating domestic and international flights. At the beginning of 2023, the management of Fly Khiva Group decided to establish a cargo airline, which resulted in the signing of a leasing agreement for a Boeing 767-300BCF cargo aircraft in December 2023 and the start of the certification process as an airline. After obtaining the Operator’s Certificate, Fly Khiva Group started operating as an airline on February 23, 2024.

For Farkhad Mukhutdinov, Commercial Director of Fly Khiva Group, it’s a great day: “We are pleased to announce Fly Khiva Group’s inaugural flight to Liege Airport (LGG), marking an important step in our journey to expand our air cargo operations. Fly Khiva Group has been steadily growing to meet the increasing demands of the e-commerce sector. As part of our development plans, we are expanding our fleet with the addition of Boeing 767-300 freighters, the first of which we expect to receive in the coming months. These new aircraft will enhance our capacity and efficiency, enabling us to provide reliable delivery solutions. We chose Liege Airport as our European gateway due to its strategic location and suitability for cargo operations. This partnership with Liege Airport will help Fly Khiva Group improve our logistics operations and service to clients across Europe. As we take this step forward, Fly Khiva Group is committed to delivering effective logistics solutions. Our investment in modern freighter aircraft and our collaboration with Liege Airport highlight our dedication to meeting the needs of the global market. We look forward to supporting the region’s economic growth and connecting businesses around the world.”

For Alexis Lapot, Cargo Manager of Liege Airport, Fly Khiva marks a further step in the development of the network: “We couldn’t be happier. This strategic agreement represents a significant step forward in our efforts to broaden our global presence. Fly Khiva’s three weekly flights connecting Asia and Europe via their Uzbekistan hub represent the aerial rebirth of the historic Silk Road. This new Air Silk Road will ease trade and transit between the two continents, increasing efficiency between Hong Kong International Airport, the world’s biggest cargo airport, and Liege Airport, Europe’s busiest freighter hub.

Uzbekistan benefits from a long and illustrious history of trade and commerce thanks to its advantageous position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The country’s aviation industry is booming, and new carriers like Fly Khiva are giving it a chance to become a regional aviation powerhouse.”

Undoubtedly, the addition of Fly Khiva not only expands the number of airlines at Liege Airport, which currently boasts over 50 carriers but also solidifies the status as a crucial logistics and e-commerce centre in Europe. Integrating Fly Khiva’s routes into LGG’s network, opens up fresh avenues for trade and economic expansion, resulting in mutual benefits for the local and international business sectors.

It’s mid-summer, traditionally the quieter time of the year, but the market has not dipped as Liege Airport had previously anticipated, based on a typical seasonality. This is the third new carrier to connect Asia and Europe via LGG this summer. The market continues to thrive, and this is not solely due to e-commerce from the Chinese Mainland.

The influx of newcomers selecting Liege as their starting point in Europe, combined with the increased capacity of reliable partners already established here, is a positive indication that LGG is well-prepared and ready for the upcoming peak season, which is expected to be busy.