Georgian PM highlights economic and tourism benefits of new Aviation Village in Kakheti region

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday hailed the opening of the Ambassador Aviation Village in the Kakheti region as a landmark development for the country’s aviation sector, saying $15 million investment project would boost the local economy, expand tourism opportunities and position the region as a centre for light aviation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kobakhidze said the large-scale infrastructure project marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Georgian aviation.

“Today, a new page is being turned in the history of Georgian aviation. Ambassador Aviation Village is a large-scale infrastructure project that will transform Kakheti into a regional hub for light aviation and aviation tourism”, he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the project is being implemented with support from a state programme and co-financing from the Georgian Economy Development Corporation, adding that it would make a significant contribution to the region’s economic growth and tourism development.

Kobakhidze highlighted the scale and multifunctional nature of the development, which spans 16 hectares and includes a modern aerodrome, an international-standard flight academy, an aviation club and a residential complex featuring aviation-themed villas.

“This multifunctional space brings together a top-standard aerodrome, an international-level flight academy, an aviation club and a residential settlement of aviation villas. Together, these elements create a unique environment that will significantly strengthen the local economy and enhance the region’s tourism potential”, he said.

The Prime Minister also stressed the project’s educational significance, noting that it would provide Georgian youth with access to internationally recognised aviation training.

“Particularly important is the fact that this project opens the international aviation arena to our young people. Highly qualified pilots will be trained here and will receive licences that meet international standards”, he added.

Kobakhidze welcomed the participation of nearly 30 crews of European pilots who travelled to Georgia for the event, describing their presence as evidence of the country’s growing role in international aviation.

“I would like to extend a special welcome to the nearly 30 crews of experienced European pilots who have come to Georgia. Their presence once again demonstrates Georgia’s increasingly prominent place on the international aviation map”, he continued.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the Kakheti aerodrome, together with the planned aviation infrastructure on the artificial island in Batumi, would form a unified network capable of significantly enhancing Georgia’s connectivity and economic potential.

Concluding his remarks, Kobakhidze thanked everyone involved in the project’s implementation and paid special tribute to its initiators, Goga Keburia and Tornike Keburia, for turning an ambitious vision into reality.

“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the implementation of this important project. Special thanks go to Goga Keburia, Tornike Keburia and all those who led this initiative and transformed an ambitious idea into reality. I wish our pilots safe flights and Ambassador Aviation Village every success in the future”, Kobakhidze noted.