Civil Aviation of Turkmenistan

nCa Report

Ashgabat, 21 January 2008 (nCa) --- The civil aviation of Turkmenistan has come a long way since independence.

The national carrier, Turkmenistan Airlines, has some 40 flying machines in its fleet. There is a separate pool for small airplanes for agriculture sector.

Except for some IL-76 cargo planes, all the airplanes in Turkmenistan are Boeings. These includes 757, 737-300, 737-800 and 717. Some 737-900s would soon be inducted.

In addition, the civil aviation of Turkmenistan maintains Sikorsky and Super helicopters for VIP and VVIP travel.

Turkmenistan Airlines handles a fairly heavy flow of travelers. Nearly 740000 passengers travel annually on domestic routes and more than 500000 on international routes.

Since independence, Turkmenistan Airlines has handled 25 million passengers and 200000 tons of cargo.

Automatic flight coordination system in Turkmenistan was provided by Thales of France

At present Turkmenistan Airlines flies to London, Moscow, Frankfurt, Birmingham, Bangkok, New Delhi, Abu Dhabi, Amritsar, Beijing, Minsk, Almaty and Istanbul. Flights will start this year to Urumchi, Antalya and Paris

Turkmenbashy airport is being modernized by the Turkish company Polimeks to meet the expected demand of the free tourist zone Avaza at the Caspian coast of Turkmenistan. After modernization, it would be able to handle 800 passengers per hour. The 3500 meters long landing strip, equipped with the latest visual and electronic signal systems, would be suitable for any type of aircraft.

The cargo handling capacity of Turkmenbashy airport is also being upgraded.

Turkish company Efor is upgrading the Mary airport. After reconstruction, it would be able to handle 300 passengers per hour. A 3800-meter long landing strip, equipped with CAT-3 system, has already been commissioned.

Pilots and flight and ground staff are regularly sent for training to Great Britain, USA, and France. During the last year full complement of crew were trained for Boeing 737-800. Refresher courses are held according to international civil aviation requirements.

Civil aviation school is working in Turkmenistan for the last three years. Last year the first batch of 20 cadets, trained to fly An-2 planes and Mi-8 helicopters, passed out from the school.

Besides flight training, the school offers courses for technicians in radio electronics, navigation, petroleum products, and electrical systems. Cabin crew is also trained by the school.

About 800 students go through the school every year. This includes the entry level employees and qualification upgrade candidates. Teaching of the English language is compulsory for all students.

Turkmenistan Airlines also paying attention to improvement of service. A major software upgrade and networking this year will allow for automatic registration of tickets, issue of electronic tickets, booking of connecting flights, and express check in of passengers for embarkation.

Engineering branch of the civil aviation completed overhaul of six An-2 planes. Twenty-five engines are being purchased for the grounded An-2s in order to meet the demands of the agriculture sector.

Funds are liberally allocated for improving the lifestyle of the employees of civil aviation service. Some employees have already been allotted accommodation in three high rise buildings of luxury apartments and two 4-storey units of flats. Construction work is in progress on a school for 600 students and a hotel for passengers.