Kazakhstan is preparing to open a new chapter in its aviation history, with direct flights to the US expected to begin in 2026 following the delivery of Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

During a working visit to the U.S., President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with senior executives of Boeing, the world’s leading aerospace manufacturer, to discuss strategic cooperation in civil aviation, cargo transport, and workforce development, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

A key outcome of the talks was confirmation that Air Astana will receive new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in the second half of the year. The long-haul jets will make it technically feasible to launch non-stop flights between Kazakhstan and the United States for the first time.

President Tokayev welcomed the agreement, noting that Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, and Vietjet Qazaqstan are all interested in expanding cooperation with Boeing as part of Kazakhstan’s broader aviation modernization strategy.

SCAT Airlines is also considering purchasing additional Boeing aircraft and is exploring plans to establish its first maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center at Shymkent Airport in partnership with the American aerospace giant. The project could significantly strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a regional aviation hub.

Boeing executive Jeff Shockey emphasized Kazakhstan’s growing transit potential and highlighted opportunities in digitalization and air freight development. The sides also discussed training domestic aviation specialists and expanding the country’s cargo fleet.

If realized on schedule, the Dreamliner deliveries could mark a breakthrough for Kazakhstan’s connectivity - linking Central Asia directly with the United States and reinforcing the country’s ambitions as a key transport bridge between continents.