Air Samarkand takes flight

New Uzbekistan carrier Air Samarkand has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Ministry of Transport's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) after conducting its maiden demonstration flight from Samarkand to Tashkent on December 28.The return sortie was flown by the carrier's sole Airbus A330-300, UK33001 (c/n 1177), and carried company representatives as the crew’s performance and compliance with safety protocols were tested. A launch date for commercial operations has yet to be announced.Initially, the airline will conduct charter flights, but