Kazakhstan to establish a domestic air cargo service, scheduled for debut in 2026.
Kazakhstan Set to Launch National Cargo Airline in Early 2026
Kazakhstan is gearing up to launch its national cargo airline as part of a strategic move to bolster its aviation industry and establish itself as a leading air cargo hub in the region. The initial phase of the project involves leasing three aircraft, with plans to expand the fleet to ten units, capitalising on the growing global air freight market where approximately 15% of shipments transit through Kazakhstan's airspace.
This ambitious project forms part of a larger governmental strategy to develop Kazakhstan's aviation infrastructure and domestic transportation. The plan includes $2.9 billion worth of investments by 2030, intended for airport upgrades, new routes, and fleet expansion to 221 aircraft overall.
The national cargo airline aims to reorient transit flows towards Kazakhstan, enhancing profitability through measures like guaranteed fuel supply and infrastructure modernization. This strategic move is expected to boost Kazakhstan's air cargo market share and reinforce its status in international air cargo networks.
Led by Olzhas Bektenov and supported by Samruk-Kazyna's chairman Nurlan Zhakupov, the government is accelerating preparations for the cargo airline launch. The objective is to establish Kazakhstan as the leading aviation hub in Central Asia, with the national cargo airline playing a pivotal role in this endeavour.
The launch of the national cargo airline aligns with broader regional developments, where Central Asian air cargo is expanding with new freighters, modernised fleets, and infrastructure improvements in neighbouring countries. The first flight under the operation of the national cargo airline is expected to take off in early 2026.
In the first half of 2025, Kazakhstan's airlines carried 7.2 million passengers, marking a 6% increase from the same period last year. Passenger service in Kazakhstan's airports increased to 14.4 million people in the same period. Over the past years, 20 runways, 19 terminals, and a new airport in Turkestan have been reconstructed in Kazakhstan.
The creation of the national cargo airline is a key one in the development of Kazakhstan's aviation industry, as noted by Olzhas Bektenov. This project is being driven by the steady growth of the global cargo air transportation market. The government's commitment to this project underscores its determination to strengthen Kazakhstan's position as the leading aviation hub in the region, as emphasised by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
[1] Kazakhstan to Launch National Cargo Airline [2] Kazakhstan to Invest $2.9 Billion in Aviation Industry [3] Kazakhstan to Expand Domestic Air Transportation [4] Central Asian Air Cargo Expansion [5] Kazakhstan's Position as Aviation Hub
[1] In alignment with its ambition to become a leading air cargo hub, Kazakhstan's strategic move to launch its national cargo airline will greatly impact the industry, particularly finance, as the government allocates $2.9 billion for aviation infrastructure development.
[2] As part of a larger strategy to boost the aviation industry and domestic transportation, Kazakhstan's plan to establish 221 aircraft, including the national cargo airline, will significantly affect the transportation sector, capitalizing on the growing global air freight market where approximately 15% of shipments transit through Kazakhstan's airspace.
