Kazakhstan has decided to transfer the "black boxes" (flight recorders) of the AZAL plane that crashed near Aktau to the Centre for Investigation and Prevention of Aviation Accidents of Brazil (CENIPA). This step complies with international standards and the Chicago Convention, which Kazakhstan ratified in 1992.
The investigation involves 17 international experts: 6 specialists from Azerbaijan, 3 experts from CENIPA, 3 representatives of the Interstate Aviation Committee, 2 specialists from Russia, 2 representatives of the company Embraer, and 1 expert from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The choice of Brazil as the manufacturer of the Embraer aircraft ensures access to deep technical expertise. This decision also demonstrates Kazakhstan's independence in making strategic decisions and its commitment to international standards for investigating aviation accidents.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held consultations with the leaders of Russia and Azerbaijan, confirming the priority of a professional investigation over political factors.
Transferring the "black boxes" to Brazil strengthens Kazakhstan's position as a reliable international partner, capable of ensuring an objective investigation in accordance with international norms.
Recall that on 25 December, three kilometres from Aktau airport, a plane of the Azerbaijani airline AZAL, travelling from Baku to Grozny, crashed. On board were 67 people, including 5 crew members.
Transport Minister Marat Karabayev reported that as a result of the incident, 38 passengers died, and 29 people, including three children, were hospitalised.
The other day, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev suggested that the aircraft was damaged by electronic warfare systems in Russian airspace. In this regard, in his opinion, the Russian side should admit guilt and pay compensation.