The opening of the new AIRCUZ Academy in Tashkent marks an important step in strengthening Uzbekistan’s capacity to train, examine and certify road transport professionals in line with international standards. It is accredited to provide ADR Driver, CPC Manager Freight and CPC Driver Freight programmes.

IRU has provided its unique train-the-trainer and train-the-assessor courses to the academy’s trainers and assessors. Twenty-two participants completed the ADR programme, 16 completed the CPC Manager Freight programme, and 24 completed the CPC Driver Freight programme.

All training and assessment provided by the academy are based on the IRU Examiner standards, which strengthens the credibility of certification and links national qualifications with internationally recognised frameworks. This enables AIRCUZ Academy to support the industry with the delivery of internationally recognised certifications.

The rapid growth of road transport in Uzbekistan, including the increasing number of operators and drivers, requires expanding the current limited national capacity with high-quality professional training, examination and certification. The government's support for AIRCUZ Academy – which will serve as a role model for the professional training, examination and certification of road transport professionals – will benefit the entire market and should further support Uzbekistan’s dynamic road transport sector.

The new training centre is a concrete example of how the EU-funded Modernisation of Road Transport (MRT) supports road transport reform on the ground. Supported by the EU under its Global Gateway strategy, MRT aims to advance sustainable and connected transport systems, with a primary focus on Central Asia and West Africa. Uzbekistan and AIRCUZ are key partners in implementing the project’s activities in Central Asia.

Alongside professional training, MRT supports road transport sector reform based on the IRU–World Bank guidelines. It provides a comprehensive reference framework to support governments and stakeholders in implementing sustainable, efficient and safe road transport systems.