On the Wings of Dreams

Uzbekistan Airways fulfilled the dream of 14-year-old Akhtamjon from Samarkand, who has been battling a serious illness for five years.

Akhtamjon has undergone surgery twice to remove a cancerous tumour. The disease was discovered in 2018. Then an impossible burden – the fight against cancer – became burden on the shoulders of a 9-year-old boy. The first surgery only temporarily relieved Akhtamjon's suffering. In 2023, the child again had to undergone a surgery due to relapse.

When Akhtamjon’s world began to lose its colours and his hope for recovery began to fade, Marjona Nurmukhamedova, a writer and founder of the “Sen kuchlisan” (“You are strong”) project, came into his life.

“I created this project inspired by the dreams of children from the cancer centre. I try to help them financially and morally. For example, I donate the proceeds from the sale of my book to children’s hospitals”, Marjona said.

According to her words, “Sen kuchlisan” turns children's dreams into goals. The first hero of the project was Akhtamjon. Marjona learnt that his dream of flying on big planes keeps him strong on his difficult road to recovery. With the support of the Tashkent City Branch of the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Oncology and Radiology, she asked Uzbekistan Airways to help, and the airline encouraged her initiative by arranging a tour on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Akhtamjon tried on the flight uniform, learnt how the cockpit is organized, and talked to the crew of the aircraft, who told him about the intricacies of the profession. His eyes were filled with gratitude and his smile warmed the soul of everyone present, especially his mum. The woman could not hold back tears of happiness as she placed the cap on her son's head. The touching moment made them forget about illness and enjoy the moment.

Uzbekistan Airways is proud to be a part of making dreams come true. We believe that our hero, having gone through the ordeal, will continue to live and pursue his goals.