The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has backed plans by the Turkmenistan government to develop an airfreight and regional transit hub for Central Asian states in Ashgabat.
The new Ashgabat International Airport, formerly known as Saparmurat Türkmenbaşy International Airport, is located approximately 10 kilometres northwest of the Turkmenistan capital.
In a meeting last week with the President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, ICAO Council President, Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu pledged support for the State’s goal to develop Ashgabat.
He also highlighted a number of priorities it should pursue to effectively manage future air traffic growth while optimising the resulting socio-economic benefits.
Aliu explains: “Turkmenistan is making good progress in support of its air transport sector today, and I have encouraged President Berdimuhamedov and his government to help ensure that its continuing progress proceeds in line with ICAO’s global provisions for safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable air transport.
“Effective ICAO compliance is the most important foundation any state can establish as they seek to improve local prosperity through aviation’s unique global connectivity.”
President Aliu’s also requested Turkmenistan work in partnership with ICAO to deliver technical assistance, training and capacity building to Central Asian states in accordance with the UN agency’s ongoing No Country Left Behind initiative, and in particular to Afghanistan.
He also encouraged the state to establish suitable commitments and coordinate investments for its air transport infrastructure expansion and modernisation, and noted the country could count on ICAO’s support towards the development of its new State Action Plan for air transport emissions reduction to help sustainably guide that growth.
