China Unveils Ambitious Plan to Strengthen Air Links with Central Asia

Bai Wenli, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Affairs at the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), has announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening air connectivity across Central Asia.

The proposals were presented at the 2nd Central Asia-China Civil Aviation Cooperation Working Group Conference, held in the Kazakh capital, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

Addressing delegates, Bai highlighted the pivotal role of aviation in building the Eurasian Transport Hub. She noted that over the past year, the number of direct flights between China and Central Asian countries has nearly doubled compared to 2023 and has tripled since 2019, with China now offering direct air connections to all five regional capitals.

Bai’s proposals focus on fostering airline partnerships, expanding passenger and cargo services, simplifying customs and transfer processes, modernizing airports, lowering jet fuel costs, enhancing flight safety oversight, and increasing technical exchanges and training opportunities for aviation personnel.

She urged regional nations to work together to promote the development of civil aviation, strengthening their positions in Eurasian airspace and driving economic growth across the region.

The conference gathered representatives from aviation authorities, airlines, and airports of China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to explore ways to deepen civil aviation cooperation.