A new national air company called “Kyrgyzstan” was recently established in the country. The president of the air company E. Myrzabekov said that the company is established on the basis of already existing two companies Altyn Air and Kyrgyzstan Aba Joldoru. It has two airplanes “TU-154” which, according to the president’s statement, are able to carry out international flights across Europe and America, and also two “AN-124” used for domestic flights. Soon people also can fly to Naryn and Kerben cities.

The president of International Manas airport Baktybek Sydykov commented on the situation with national airports, reports Centrasia. Currently there are 15 airports, 3 of which are international: Manas, Osh and Issyk-Kul. About 15-20 million US dollars is going to be invested into Osh airport, and hopefully by the end of 2009 the airport’s service level will correspond to international airport standards.

Now when more and more people fly both domestically and internationally, it is very important to provide a high quality service for passengers. I can say from my personal experience that there is no big choice when it comes to fly from Bishkek to Osh or Batken. There are only two or three domestic air companies that offer flights from Bishkek to south cities. The airplanes are so old and tiny, that you can hardly call it an airplane. To be honest, I just keep my fingers crossed and pray that this kind of airplane takes me to the destination safe and sound. As for the international flights, of course, one chooses to fly with reputable and known international air companies for his/her own safety and comfort. The best way to develop the whole air sector in Kyrgyzstan is attracting foreign investment and having reliable international partners. One big but very reliable air company would serve effectively. Anyway, I assume that people would prefer to travel across the country more by road than by air.