BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 3. Kazakhstan and China are discussing the expansion of regional air connectivity, including the launch of new routes and a potential joint regional airline project using Chinese-made COMAC aircraft.
According to the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the issue was discussed during a meeting between Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev and Zhang Liang, Vice President of China’s Urumqi Airlines.
During the talks, the Chinese airline presented plans to launch regular flights on three new routes: Urumqi–Karaganda, Kuldzha (Yining)–Astana and Kuldzha (Yining)–Almaty.
Kazakhstan’s side proposed considering additional routes connecting China with Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semey, as well as future services to the newly developing regional airports of Zaysan and Katon-Karagai. According to the ministry, such routes could contribute to tourism growth, improve transport accessibility and strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries.
The parties also discussed the possibility of establishing a joint regional airline in Kazakhstan using COMAC aircraft produced in China. The proposed carrier could operate regional routes, including connections to Zaysan, Katon-Karagai and other destinations with tourism potential.
"Urumqi Airlines operates Chinese-made COMAC C909 aircraft. The parties discussed the possibility of a joint project to establish a joint regional airline in Kazakhstan using COMAC aircraft for regional flights, including routes to Zaysan, Katon-Karagay, and other cities with tourism potential," the statement of the committee says.
Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in further developing cooperation and implementing joint projects in the civil aviation sector.
