Kazakhstan seeks foreign investors to create national cargo airline

ASTANA. Sept 8 (Interfax) - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for the creation of a national cargo airline with foreign investors, aiming to position Kazakhstan as a leading aviation hub in Eurasia.

Tokayev, during his annual address to the nation, emphasized the growing importance of air cargo given the rise of e-commerce and high-technology product deliveries, calling it a "highly profitable and extremely sought-after segment."

"Another important issue is the development of air cargo transportation," Tokayev said. "Despite growth in air freight volumes, there remains substantial potential for further expansion. I previously instructed officials to double process air cargo volumes. We can achieve this primarily by creating a national cargo carrier with the involvement of major foreign partners," he said.

The president also instructed the government to create conditions for implementing unmanned transport technologies, including delivery vehicles and drones, through appropriate regulatory frameworks. He stressed the need to develop airport hubs integrated into global logistics chains while improving regulations for express cargo shipments to protect consumer interests.

According to previous reports, Kazakhstan's first cargo airline is planned through KTZ Express, a subsidiary of the national railway company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy. Initial operations would include domestic flights and international routes to Eurasian Economic Union countries, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates under intergovernmental agreements.

A comprehensive business plan is currently under development that will determine required investment volumes, funding sources, and potential foreign partnership opportunities. The government will review progress on these initiatives early next year following its annual report.