Air

The implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at developing the country’s transit potential has begun in the Kostanay region. As part of the President’s instruction announced at the National Kurultai, preparatory work has begun on the construction of a new “Center-West” highway, which will connect Astana with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route via Arkalyk, Turgay and Irgiz. Transport Minister Marat Karabayev personally inspected the progress of the initial stage of the project.

Turkish Cargo has resumed cargo flights to Maastricht-Aachen Airport (MST), opening two weekly flights on the Quito-Miami-Maastricht-Istanbul route. The main focus of the transportation is on flowers, perishable goods and general cargo.

The largest Polish air carrier LOT has begun internal preparations for the resumption of regular flights to Ukraine. The company noted that they are closely monitoring the developments and analyzing possible scenarios for returning to the Ukrainian market.

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) has opened a new cargo inspection point at the Cargo West site, the first step in a major upgrade of the security access area.

Aviator Airport Alliance, part of the Avia Solutions Group, has extended its contract with DHL for ground handling at six airports in Northern Europe. The new agreement, effective 1 February 2025, is for three years and continues more than a decade of cooperation between the companies.

Newcastle Airport has announced the launch of AirLink, a massive 69,700m² cargo hub that will boost the North East of England’s economy by £165m a year and create up to 2,600 jobs. The facility, located south of the runway, will provide direct apron access for efficient cargo handling.

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) signed its first contract in 2025, becoming Hungary Airlines’ official ground handling partner. The airline launched scheduled cargo flights between Budapest and Hong Kong using an Airbus A330F with a capacity of 62 tons, strengthening trade ties between China and the EU.

KlasJet, a leading operator of private and corporate jet charters and part of the world’s largest ACMI provider Avia Solutions Group, announced the expansion of its cooperation with Sundor by EL AL Group. The companies signed a new lease agreement for a Boeing 737-800 for a period of two years, starting in April 2025.

French shipping company CMA CGM has submitted a bid to acquire Belgian cargo airline Air Belgium. The deal includes maintaining the Air Belgium brand and acquiring four aircraft, strengthening CMA CGM’s position in the air cargo sector.

A meeting between Deputy Minister Sergey Derkach and the management of airBaltic was held at the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine. The visit of the Latvian carrier’s representatives, including First Vice President Tomas Ramdahl and Vice President for Network Development Mantas Vrubljauskas, was devoted to discussing the prospects for resuming flights to Ukraine. The Ambassador of Latvia to Ukraine Ilgvars Klava also took part in the negotiations.