New fintech opportunities for airline passengers in Uzbekistan

Image: Centrum Air

Commercial and operational growth in Uzbekistan’s air transport market is driving the modernization of adjacent B2C and B2B services. Against the backdrop of intensifying competition for passengers, the depth of integration of modern financial technologies is becoming an important differentiator for airlines. Two notable players in the aviation market have recently announced the implementation of new payment solutions aimed at optimizing transaction processes and expanding customer options.

Private Uzbek carrier Centrum Air has taken a step toward innovative fintech solutions by becoming the first airline in the Central Asian region to integrate crypto-acquiring on its official website. The integration was carried out in partnership with the Asterium technology platform. The deployed solution bridges the gap between traditional finance and digital assets, offering users a seamless conversion process when purchasing tickets.

Under the new system, when booking a standard flight, the currency of account for the passenger remains the national currency, the Uzbek sum (UZS). Upon confirming the transaction via a crypto wallet, the system executes an instant background conversion of assets, after which the funds are deposited directly into the airline’s bank account in UZS without delay. Furthermore, this partnership creates a synergistic effect for Asterium cardholders, ensuring compatibility with both the Humo national payment system and international networks Visa and Mastercard.

In parallel, Azerbaijan’s national carrier has also supported the trend of diversifying payment tools. Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), in partnership with Uzum Bank, has expanded online payment options for passengers from Uzbekistan. Direct ticket purchases using Humo and Uzcard national payment cards are now available on the airline’s official website via the secure infrastructure of the Uzbek fintech holding.

For the Azerbaijani carrier, this step is a logical decision to strengthen its position in one of the region’s most dynamic markets. Currently, total flight frequency between Tashkent and Baku reaches 15 weekly scheduled flights. AZAL itself operates seven weekly flights on the Baku–Tashkent route and two weekly flights on the Baku–Samarkand route.

The commercial viability of integrating local payment systems is backed by operational statistics. Over the past six months, the airline’s passenger traffic on the Tashkent route grew by 58%, while the Samarkand route saw a 174% increase. This growth in demand for business and leisure travel requires the carrier to streamline booking procedures and improve direct sales channel conversion rates. Jamil Manizade, Commercial Director of Azerbaijan Airlines, emphasized that adapting to local payment tools is an important phase in the development of the company’s digital services, ensuring transaction security while simultaneously enhancing the customer experience in key markets.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan’s My Freighter signs 25th interline agreement.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan’s airlines carried record number of passengers in Q1.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air launches mobile app.