Humo Air, Uzbekistan's low-cost airline, is set to temporarily suspend all flights starting March 10 as part of its operational "reboot" strategy in preparation for the launch of international flights. The airline has reached an agreement with the Bulgarian company Fly2Sky for the return of leased aircraft, as per the statements from the airline's press service.
Fleet Adjustments
The airline's fleet, which currently comprises two Airbus A320−200 aircraft, will undergo adjustments. On March 2, one of the airliners, identified by the tail number LZ-MDI, was flown from Tashkent to Plovdiv for return to the lessor. The remaining aircraft with tail number LZ-FSD will continue operating flights until March 10, after which it will also be returned to Fly2Sky.
Explaining the decision to return the aircraft, Humo Air cited the current conditions of the leasing contract, which do not align with the intended business plan of the airline. However, the low-cost carrier is set to receive new aircraft from a different lessor in April, signaling its commitment to resume operations.
Resumption of Flights and Refund Process
Following the arrival of new aircraft, Humo Air plans to resume regular flights in April, including international routes. The airline aims to focus on international operations while maintaining domestic flights within Uzbekistan.
Humo Air has also initiated the processing of refund requests and is working with registries to automatically cancel payments for air tickets purchased for flights scheduled from March 11 to March 30. The airline assured passengers that refunds will be processed promptly, with funds expected to be credited back to customers' bank cards within the week. Additionally, passengers have the option to exchange tickets for alternative dates without incurring extra charges.
Ownership Transition and Expansion Plans
In late 2022, ValleyRoad Capital S.A., a Swiss investment company, acquired a 100% stake in Humo Air from the state for UZS 27.2bn ($2.1mn). Despite initial delays in aircraft deliveries, the airline commenced passenger services in December, launching flights from Tashkent to several domestic destinations.
Humo Air aims to scale up its operations rapidly, with plans to operate 1,000 flights and transport over 200,000 passengers. The airline intends to expand its route network to include foreign cities such as Almaty, Istanbul, and Dubai by the end of the year, underscoring its ambition for growth and international connectivity.
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