As the global air cargo market undergoes a period of transformation, Central Asia—and particularly Uzbekistan—is emerging as a pivotal player in connecting the rapidly growing economies of China and Europe. 

“Central Asia is strategically positioned to capitalise on the increasing flow of goods between East and West,” Mario Antonio Ebcim, Director of Commercial Airplanes Sales for Eurasia at The Boeing Company, highlighted. 

“With the rise of e-commerce and the ongoing integration of global supply chains, the region offers immense potential for air cargo operators, especially those investing in freighters.”

Strategic hub on the Silk Road

Uzbekistan’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia places it squarely along the modern Silk Road—a key corridor for global trade. As China continues to dominate manufacturing and e-commerce exports, Uzbekistan has recognised the opportunity to position itself as a transit hub for air cargo. By leveraging its central location, the country is emerging as a preferred stopover for goods moving from Chinese cities to European markets.

This strategic advantage is further bolstered by Uzbekistan’s investments in infrastructure. Modernisation projects at Tashkent International Airport have expanded cargo handling capacities, while free economic zones near major logistics hubs are attracting both foreign and local investors. These developments ensure that Uzbekistan is well-equipped to accommodate the growing volumes of cargo passing through the region.

Demand driver

The global e-commerce boom has reshaped the logistics landscape, with consumers demanding faster delivery of goods. Central Asia, once considered a landlocked region with limited connectivity, is now becoming an air freight hotspot. Freighters are playing a key role in meeting this demand, offering speed and flexibility that other modes of transportation cannot match.

“Freighters provide unmatched reliability and efficiency for time-sensitive shipments,” Ebcim noted. “This is particularly important for e-commerce goods, which now dominate a significant portion of air cargo traffic.”

Uzbekistan’s national carrier and private operators have begun to expand their freighter fleets to keep pace with this demand. However, the high capital costs of acquiring new freighters have led to increased interest in passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions.

Conversion potential 

The P2F market has gained traction globally as companies seek cost-effective ways to expand their fleets. For Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries, P2F conversions represent a practical solution to meet demand without the financial burden of purchasing new aircraft.

Ebcim explained, “P2F conversions allow operators to repurpose older passenger aircraft, extending their service life while offering significant cost savings. This is an ideal option for emerging markets like Central Asia, where the demand for freighters is outpacing supply.”

The growing interest in P2F conversions aligns with Uzbekistan’s ambition to become a logistics powerhouse. The country’s existing infrastructure, combined with investments in cargo terminals and free trade zones, makes it an attractive destination for operators looking to establish regional hubs.

Chinese catalyst 

China’s dominance in global manufacturing continues to drive demand for air cargo services. With production hubs located in the country’s interior, the logistics industry increasingly relies on Central Asia as a bridge to Europe. This trend is particularly relevant for Uzbekistan, whose geographic proximity to China positions it as a natural transit point for goods.

The benefits extend beyond geography. By serving as a gateway for Chinese exports, Uzbekistan can strengthen its trade ties with both China and Europe, fostering economic growth and attracting foreign investment. Moreover, the integration of air, rail, and road networks enhances Uzbekistan’s appeal as a multimodal logistics hub.

“China remains the largest driver of air cargo volumes globally,” Ebcim remarked. “Uzbekistan’s ability to align its infrastructure and policies with this demand will determine its long-term success as a logistics hub.”

Transformative decade

As air cargo volumes continue to rise, Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a critical link in the global supply chain. Investments in freighters, the adoption of P2F conversions, and strategic partnerships with global players are transforming the country into a logistics hub that connects East and West. For the professional air cargo audience, Uzbekistan’s story serves as both a case study and a blueprint for how emerging markets can seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry.

With its strategic location, forward-thinking policies, and commitment to modernisation, Uzbekistan is not just adapting to change—it is shaping the future of air cargo in Central Asia and beyond.