Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting on the development of the aviation industry and the implementation of the President’s instructions to strengthen the role of Kazakhstan as an aviation hub. The key point of discussion was the creation of a national cargo air carrier – a strategic project aimed at reorienting transit flows and strengthening the country’s position in the global air cargo market.
According to Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev, in 2025, Kazakhstani airlines carried 7.2 million passengers (+ 6% compared to last year), and passenger traffic through airports amounted to 14.4 million people. It is planned to attract $ 2.9 billion in investments to the industry, which will be used to build new airports in tourist regions, modernize runways and terminals, and update the aircraft fleet. This year, the fleet will be replenished with 16 aircraft, and by 2030 – up to 221 units.
The head of the National Welfare Fund “Samuryk-Kazyna” Nurlan Zhakupov reported that at the first stage the cargo airline will lease three aircraft with subsequent expansion to ten. The first flight of the new carrier is planned for early 2026. The Prime Minister instructed to speed up all preparatory processes, noting that the project is of key importance for increasing the profitability of transit and attracting new cargo flows through Kazakhstan.