Kazakhstan to Launch National Cargo Carrier, Aiming for Global Freight Market

Kazakhstan is set to launch a national cargo airline as part of an ambitious plan to strengthen its role as a regional aviation hub, officials confirmed during a recent aviation development meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

The meeting highlighted the implementation of presidential directives aimed at enhancing Kazakhstan’s aviation infrastructure, including the expansion of air hubs and modernization of ground facilities, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Central to these efforts is the establishment of a dedicated cargo airline to leverage the rising demand in global air freight.

In the first half of 2025, Kazakh airlines transported 7.2 million passengers, marking a 6 per cent year-on-year growth, while the country’s airports handled 14.4 million travelers. Currently, domestic carriers operate 849 weekly flights across 61 routes.

Recent infrastructure improvements include the reconstruction of 20 runways and 19 terminals, alongside the completion of a new airport in Turkistan. Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev noted that 16 new aircraft will join Kazakhstan’s fleet this year-six already purchased-with plans to grow the fleet to 221 planes by 2030.

Further development plans involve reopening and launching 36 air routes during 2025, supported by an estimated $2.9 billion investment in the aviation sector. Projects include constructing new airports in tourist destinations such as Katon-Karagay, Zaisan, Kenderli, and Arkalyk, as well as upgrading 10 runways, 10 terminals, and specialized equipment.

The national cargo airline initiative aims to capture a share of the global air cargo market, currently valued at 57.7 million tons annually, with roughly 15 per cent of this cargo passing through Kazakhstan’s airspace.

Nurlan Zhakupov, CEO of Samruk-Kazyna, announced the airline’s inaugural flight is expected in early 2026, marking a milestone in Kazakhstan’s expanding aviation ambitions.