Kazakhstan is preparing for an audit by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that would allow the country to launch direct flights to the United States. To achieve this, the government must demonstrate the reliability of its aviation regulatory system, the presence of an independent and effective oversight body, and transparent airline certification procedures.

The country is also planning to acquire modern long-haul aircraft and has begun construction of its first maintenance center to service them. The Times of Central Asia spoke with representatives of Kazakhstan’s aviation industry about the progress of these efforts, when direct flights to North America may begin, and what challenges remain.

As part of efforts to expand international routes and strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as an aviation hub between Europe and Asia, Bauyrzhan Umiraliyev, head of the Aviation Safety Department at the Civil Aviation Committee, said the national carrier Air Astana plans to purchase 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2035.

“This is a strategically important decision that can significantly boost civil aviation, the economy, and the country’s international standing,” an aviation authority representative told The Times of Central Asia. “Long-haul aircraft will allow airlines to launch direct flights to destinations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia that were previously inaccessible or required layovers.”

The aircraft will also enhance Kazakhstan’s attractiveness as a transit hub and tourist destination, while enabling airlines to compete internationally through improved efficiency, pricing, and service quality.

The purchase of these aircraft, previously delayed twice since 2025 due to production backlogs at Boeing, is expected to open new opportunities for Kazakhstan’s aviation sector, particularly following the anticipated attainment of Category 1 (CAT-1) safety status, confirming compliance with international aviation standards.

CAT-1: The Path to the U.S.

In 2024, Kazakhstan’s aviation authorities and the FAA signed an agreement to conduct a technical assessment under the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program.

According to Aslan Satzhanov, Acting Executive Director of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, the assessment identified areas requiring improvement in flight safety oversight.

“We are currently working on amendments to regulatory acts to implement modern safety procedures and standardize processes, with technical support from FAA experts,” Satzhanov said.

In parallel, experts from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration have conducted preliminary assessments of airport security under the Export Control and Border Security Program.

The first visit, in October 2021, resulted in a generally positive evaluation of Kazakhstan’s aviation security framework. A follow-up visit in August 2022 focused on screening procedures for passengers, baggage, and cargo at Astana Airport.

“The capital’s airport received a positive assessment, and the coordinated work of aviation security personnel was noted,” Satzhanov said.

According to preliminary information, the full IASA audit may take place after long-haul aircraft enter service and relevant infrastructure is fully prepared; though, it should be noted that Kazakhstan does not control the timing of the IASA audit.

Industry Awaits New Aircraft

Preparations for launching new international routes, including previously announced flights to New York and Tokyo, are already underway. According to Satzhanov, flights to Tokyo may begin in the second half of 2026, while New York routes are expected no earlier than early 2027.

These timelines depend directly on the delivery and operational readiness of new aircraft.

Kazakhstan’s airlines are also planning broader route expansion. SCAT Airlines aims to launch flights to destinations including Tel Aviv, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Larnaca, Dalaman, and Salalah. Meanwhile, the Air Astana Group is considering routes to Tokyo, Samarkand, Xi’an, Urumqi, and Riyadh.

“At the same time, long-haul aircraft may also be deployed on existing routes to increase capacity and improve efficiency,” Satzhanov added.

Staffing Challenges and Foreign Pilots

Training personnel for such a large-scale expansion remains a critical challenge. Under agreements with Boeing, initial training for pilots and technical staff is provided by the manufacturer.

In the first phase, foreign instructors train local specialists, who then pass on their knowledge to other staff. This approach is intended to build domestic expertise over time.

Air Astana has already begun training engineers for the Boeing 787 at international centers, and plans to transition to in-house training programs. The airline is also developing partnerships with local aviation institutions.

However, industry representatives acknowledge that foreign pilots will be required in the short term due to a shortage of locally certified specialists qualified to operate the new aircraft.

MRO Development

In late February, SCAT Airlines, in partnership with Boeing, launched construction of a major Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center in Shymkent.

According to aviation officials, the project represents a key milestone in developing Kazakhstan’s aviation infrastructure. The facility will provide a full cycle of aircraft maintenance services and reduce reliance on foreign providers.

The complex will cover more than 45,000 square meters, with additional apron space exceeding six hectares. It will include at least 15 specialized facilities, such as engine repair shops, avionics laboratories, and aircraft painting and interior modification units.

Construction is scheduled for completion in November 2027.

Initially, the center will service Boeing 737 aircraft, which make up the majority of SCAT’s fleet. Plans are in place to expand capabilities to wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777, by 2030.

The facility is also expected to attract foreign airlines, strengthening Kazakhstan’s role as a regional aviation hub.

Regional Competition

Kazakhstan’s major airports, including Astana, Almaty, Aktau, Atyrau, and Shymkent, already meet International Civil Aviation Organization standards and are capable of handling long-haul aircraft.

However, competition is intensifying. Uzbekistan has also secured agreements to acquire 22 Boeing aircraft for long-haul operations, positioning itself as a rival regional hub.

Outlook

Kazakhstan’s aviation ambitions reflect a broader strategy to position itself as a key transit hub between Asia and Europe. Achieving this will require sustained investment in infrastructure, workforce development, regulatory improvements, and international cooperation.

If successfully implemented, these measures could strengthen Kazakhstan’s regional position, drive economic growth, and enhance its global connectivity.