Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting on the development of the aviation industry. The meeting reviewed the progress of implementing the President’s instructions to strengthen Kazakhstan’s role as an aviation hub, in particular, the development of aviation hubs and modernization of ground infrastructure. Special attention was given to the issue of creating a national cargo air carrier.

According to the Ministry of Transport, in the first half of 2025, Kazakhstani airlines transported 7.2 million passengers, which is 6% more compared to the same period last year. Passenger service volume at airports increased to 14.4 million people. Currently, domestic air transportation is carried out on 61 routes with a total frequency of 849 flights per week.

In recent years, 20 runways and 19 terminals have been reconstructed in Kazakhstan, and a new airport was built in Turkistan. Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev reported that this year it is expected to add 16 aircraft to the fleet, 6 of which have already been acquired. Overall, by the end of 2030, the fleet will be increased to 221 aircraft. It was also noted that in 2025, the opening and resumption of 36 routes is planned. A total of about $2.9 billion is expected to be attracted to the aviation industry under investment programs. The funds are planned to be directed toward the implementation of major projects, in particular, the construction of new airports in tourist areas – Katon-Karagai, Zaysan, Kendirli, as well as Arkalyk, the reconstruction of 10 runways, 10 terminals, and the renewal of the special equipment fleet.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of the initiative to create a cargo airline. The project is driven by the steady growth of the global air cargo market. Currently, its volume amounts to 57.7 million tons, with about 15% of shipments passing through Kazakhstan’s airspace.

Chairman of the Board of JSC “Samruk-Kazyna” Nurlan Zhakupov reported that in accordance with global practice, the initial stage provides for the lease of three aircraft with the subsequent expansion of the fleet to ten units. The first flight under the operation of the national cargo air carrier is expected at the beginning of 2026. It was noted that to ensure profitability, measures are planned to guarantee fuel supply.

The Prime Minister instructed to accelerate all preparatory processes for the creation of the cargo air carrier as much as possible.

“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set the task of strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as the leading aviation hub in the region. Comprehensive work is underway to develop airport infrastructure and domestic transportation. The project to create a cargo air carrier is one of the key initiatives. Its implementation will allow for the reorientation of transit flows to Kazakhstan and strengthen our position in the air cargo transportation market,” Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.

#Olzhas Bektenov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #Civil aviation #President's instruction

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