Airlines / Uzbekistan Airways Uzbekistan Airways offers great connections to Europe and CIS countries From the standpoint of worldwide airlines, the Korean commercial market is very developed. Many leading airlines make flights to Seoul, such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Northwest Airlines, ANA, Emirates, etc. Despite such fierce competition, Country Manager Alexander Chermomaz, who says that Uzbekistan Airways flies to Seoul from 1994, noted: "The number of passengers is increasing from year to year." "Asiana Airlines" started their flights between Korea and Uzbekistan in 1997. Chermomaz comments: "Now we fly two times per week and in summer months we have three flights per week", adding that our schedule is very convenient for travelers with good connections to Europe and CIS countries. The state visit of the Korean President Roh in 2005 and reciprocal visit of President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov gave new opportunities for businessmen from the two countries to explore business opportunities in different fields of activities, he explained. Concerning the competition with other airlines, the country manager noted: "Our main competitor is Asiana Airlines, but it is not our rival, it is our partner. Since our cooperation with Asiana is good, we have many mutual agreements which give more conveniences for passengers of both airlines." International folk festival Uzbekistan has many ancient cities - such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Karshi. There are many historical complexes and monuments to catch tourists' attention as well. Across the boundless steppes and hot sands of the Kyzylkum and Karakum deserts, endless trade caravans made their way from far-away countries to Bukhara, Khiva, Samarkand and Termez along the Silk Road, and it took them months to get there. Since ancient times those cities have been known throughout the world as centers of high culture, architecture and science. Their residents have been famed for their industry, friendliness and hospitality. Oriental people have always been skillful in receiving guests. Chermomaz is proud to say: "You can see it for yourself if you travel to Uzbekistan by Uzbekistan Airways." Tashkent is the capital of independent Uzbekistan, the economic, research and cultural center and its air gateway. Tashkent is the largest city in Central Asia with a population of over 2.5 million and one of the most beautiful cities in the region. The city is the seat of the Academy of Science of Uzbekistan, which celebrated its 60th anniversary at the end of 2003, as well as the site of leading research institutions, major universities, museums and theaters. Lately, Tashkent has assumed the role of one of the financial centers in Central Asia, which will grow as the country moves toward a market economy. The majestic architectural domes come into view when the aircraft is still high in the sky. This is Samarkand, which has rightfully deserved the titles of "Heart of the Silk Road", "City Governed by Angels" and "Eden of the East." An international folk festival is held in the beautiful and mysterious Registan Square every other year. The square then responds to tunes of various nations, "I'm Reghistan! I speak to you from the depth of centuries." To this day, his palaces, minarets and mosques, vying in beauty and majesty, pose before visitors as poetry in stone. It was in this city that a famous medieval scholar, Mirzo Ulugbeg, plunged into the mysterious abyss of the starry sky. A part of the observatory with a sextant he built has survived to this day giving one a clear idea of the genius and purposefulness of researchers who worked in Samarkand. Samarkand: "Heart of the Silk Road" The Blessed Bukhara, founded on a sacred mound intended for spring sacrifices of the Zoroastrians and known as a center of crafts, education and theology back in the Middle Ages, stands on the crossroads of trade routes of the Silk Road - a witness to many historical events that took place in Central Asia. In the opinion of scholars, Bukhara has received its name from the Sanskrit word vikhara meaning "a tenement." Over 140 historical monuments have survived in the small territory of this city. The famous Kalyan Minaret is the internationally known symbol of Bukhara and one of its main sights. Standing 47 meters high and proudly carrying its unique ornamental brickwork, it can be seen from all parts of the city and even from its environs. The burial vault of the Samanid Dynasty looks like stone lace. Labi-Hauz is one of the most remarkable architectural ensembles in ancient Bukhara. Khiva also is one of the few Central Asian cities that have retained the architectural image, which was formed at the end of the 18th-beginning of the 20th century. Today, it is an open-air museum presenting to the sight of tourists not only the architectural monuments of the past but also mass city dwellings. The city was one of the major cities in ancient Khorezm, and the oasis itself was the cradle of three world civilizations that existed in the territory of Central Asia. Many centuries before the Silk Road had come to exist ancient Khorezm was connected with Europe, the East and Siberia by water and land routes. In the opinion of scholars, Khorezm was the home of Zoroaster. Heart-warming hospitality & kindness of Uzbek people Many Korean people already visited Uzbekistan and enjoyed their being there. Chermomaz said: "We hope that more people will visit Uzbekistan, because hospitality and kindness of Uzbekistan people gives good memories to visitors", adding that we expect more activities from tourist companies. "Uzbekistan Airways" has modern aircraft Boeing-767- 300ER, Boeing-757-200, A-310, RJ-85, Il-114. Our airline keeps a sound position on the international market and provides high quality competitive services, he underscores, explaining that during the years of operations our company has been awarded with numerous of international Certificates and Diplomas. As a result of its activity in 2005 Uzbekistan Airways has been awarded the Flight Safety Foundation Diploma and a Recognition Award of the Boeing Company for Safety and reliable performance in operation of Boeing airplanes. The country manager further said that our slogan is "Safety and comfort." Especially for Korean travelers Uzbekistan Airways has on board: Korean language interpreter, Korean newspapers, Korean music and movies. Passengers can order any food during the ticket booking (vegetarian, children, etc.). Currently, "Uzbekistan Airways" flies to 20 countries in Europe, Asia and America including USA, Great Britain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Japan, Korea, China, Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Latvia, Russia, CIS countries. In2005, the Airways carried 1 670 000 passengers and 23 078 tons of cargo.