Georgian Officials Hope to Boost Tourism, Train Pilots With ‘Aviation Village’ Complex in Kakheti – Civil Georgia

Georgian officials have inaugurated the Ambassadori Aviation Village in Kachreti, in the eastern Kakheti region, positioning the new state-backed private aviation complex as a catalyst for tourism growth, local economic development, and pilot training. At the opening ceremony on September 5, the Prime Minister hailed the USD 15 million investment as a significant step toward strengthening Georgia’s aviation sector and unlocking new tourism potential.

A New Aviation Hub in Kakheti

Developed by Ambassadori Group, the 16-hectare complex integrates multiple aviation and hospitality functions. According to the Ministry of Economy, it features:

• An airfield with a 1,185-meter-long, 18-meter-wide main runway
• A hangar accommodating up to 12 aircraft
• A flight school and an aviation club
• Residential facilities for trainees, guests, and aviation enthusiasts

The project’s USD 15 million investment includes a GEL 10 million loan approved with the support of the Georgian Economic Development Corporation, a government entity formed to attract foreign investment and support strategic projects.

Training Pilots and Drawing Visitors

Officials emphasized the complex’s role in building domestic aviation capacity. The Prime Minister said the facility will train high-caliber pilots who can earn internationally recognized licenses, framing the initiative as a “new chapter” for Georgian aviation. He also welcomed the arrival of nearly 30 crews of experienced European pilots for the event, describing their presence as a sign of Georgia’s growing visibility on the international aviation map.

Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili highlighted goals to popularize small aviation in Georgia, develop aviation tourism, and position Kakheti as a new destination for pilots and air sports. She said initiatives like Ambassadori Aviation Village can attract foreign private pilots and enthusiasts who travel, stay in various regions, and support local businesses.

High-Level Attendance and International Participation

The ceremony drew senior government figures and business leaders, including the Economy Minister, Tbilisi’s mayor, and the foreign minister. Speakers included representatives of Ambassadori Group and international aviation figures. The opening coincided with an aviation expedition from Luxembourg, involving a group of 26 private aircraft, underscoring the project’s international outreach.

Part of a Broader Aviation Drive

Officials linked the opening to a wider government-led effort to expand aviation infrastructure and capacity across the country. The Economy Minister cited rising passenger traffic, noting that in 2025 Georgia’s airports served 8.5 million passengers, and in the first seven months of 2026 traffic had already exceeded 4.6 million.

Among the key infrastructure projects highlighted:

• A USD 150 million expansion of Tbilisi International Airport, expected to raise annual capacity to up to 10 million passengers
• Construction of a new 3.5-kilometer runway at Kutaisi International Airport
• Preparations for a new Vaziani International Airport
• Domestic aviation development, including tenders for a new domestic airport in Kakheti and a new terminal in Mestia

Officials described the Ambassadori Aviation Village as a logical outcome of public-private collaboration, with private investments responding to opportunities created by state policy and infrastructure programs.

Education, Partnerships, and Air Show

To strengthen the pipeline of aviation professionals, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Georgian Aviation University and Ambassadori Aviation Village during the opening. The ceremony featured an air show, showcasing the airfield’s capabilities and the range of small aircraft it is designed to host.

Economic and Regional Impact

By combining pilot training, aircraft hosting, aviation leisure, and residential amenities, the complex is intended to serve as both a professional hub and a tourism magnet. Officials voiced expectations that visiting pilots and enthusiasts will explore regions beyond Kakheti, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and service providers across Georgia. The project’s integration of education, infrastructure, and hospitality is seen as a model for boosting regional economies while advancing the country’s aviation ambitions.