President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his annual State of the Nation address at a joint session of the Parliament on 8 September, announced plans to transform the country into a leading aviation hub of the Eurasian space.
The head of state instructed the creation of a National Cargo Carrier with the involvement of major international partners, and to ensure the accelerated introduction of unmanned technologies in the transport sector.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR AVIATION DEVELOPMENT
Tokayev emphasised the strategic role of aviation in global competition, noting the significant prospects of the freight transport market for Kazakhstan.
"Our strategic task is to become a leading aviation hub in the Eurasian space," the President stated, pointing to the need for systemic measures to achieve this goal.
Despite the growth in air freight volumes, the potential remains far from exhausted. The President had previously instructed for the volume of processed cargo to be doubled, and now insists on the creation of a National Cargo Carrier with the participation of major international partners.
DEVELOPMENT OF AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE
In recent years, extensive work has been carried out to upgrade aviation infrastructure. In 2024, new terminals were opened in Almaty, Shymkent and Kyzylorda. The construction of new airports in Zaysan, Katon-Karagay and Kenderly will be completed shortly. The restoration of the airport in Arkalyk has begun.
The launch of these projects is expected to increase economic activity in the regions, create new jobs, and give impetus to the development of related industries. The government's special attention should be directed towards the socio-economic development of the Torgai region.
AIR CARGO AS A HIGH-YIELD SEGMENT
In the context of the active growth of e-commerce and the export of high-tech products, the "air cargo" — the service of air transport of goods using cargo or passenger aircraft — is becoming a high-yield and sought-after area.
To take advantage of these opportunities, Kazakhstan must develop modern air hubs integrated into global logistics chains.
The President noted the need to streamline regulations in the field of express delivery to ensure market transparency and protect consumer interests.
INTRODUCTION OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
The head of state paid special attention to innovations in the transport sector. Unmanned modes of transport are being actively introduced worldwide – from special vehicles to drones for parcel delivery. Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan should not stay on the sidelines of these processes.
The government has been tasked with creating conditions for the accelerated introduction of unmanned technologies, including the development of necessary regulatory acts and rules.
MODERNISATION OF RAILWAY TRANSPORT
The President also touched upon issues of railway transport development. Many citizens express dissatisfaction with the condition of the carriages.
An important step in solving this problem was the launch of a carriage-building enterprise in Astana. With the participation of a foreign investor, the production of modern passenger carriages, equipped according to advanced international standards, has been established.
MONITORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INSTRUCTIONS
Tokayev stressed that success in achieving the set tasks is possible only with the participation of specialists and entrepreneurs with experience in the aviation sector. However, the main responsibility for the implementation of the instructions lies with the government.
The President warned that at the beginning of next year, at a special meeting following the annual report of the Cabinet of Ministers, the progress of the tasks outlined in the Address will be reviewed.
Kazakhstan is betting on the development of transport and aviation as key elements of its economic strategy. From creating a national cargo carrier to introducing unmanned technologies – all this should strengthen the country's position in the Eurasian market and provide citizens with new opportunities in the field of logistics and services.