Aviation Holds the Key to Unlocking Economic Benefits for Kazakhstan

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlighted the value of air transport for Kazakhstan, emphasizing that the country’s continued focus on aviation has delivered growing benefits for jobs and economic activity.

Aviation’s Economic Impact in Kazakhstan
- Direct Employment: 44,700 people work in aviation, generating USD 2.1 billion (0.8% of GDP).
- Wider Contribution: Supply chain, employee spending, and tourism add USD 6.4 billion to GDP, supporting 191,400 jobs.
- Tourism: Aviation-supported tourism contributes USD 356 million and employs 15,000 people.
- International Visitors: Tourists bring in USD 2.6 billion annually through local goods and services.

Strategic Opportunities
- Global Standards: Aligning with international safety and operational standards is crucial. Currently, only Air Astana and Scat are permitted to fly to the EU.
- Infrastructure Growth: Passenger traffic has grown 10% annually over the past three years. Investments include Almaty’s USD 362 million airport overhaul and a proposed second airport for Astana.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Kazakhstan has strong feedstock potential. Developing SAF production could support the 2050 net-zero goal and create export opportunities, especially to the EU.

IATA’s Position
Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional VP for Europe, emphasized that continued investment in safety, infrastructure, and SAF will strengthen Kazakhstan’s aviation sector, boost tourism, and attract foreign direct investment.

This positions Kazakhstan as a potential regional hub in Central Asia, leveraging both passenger and cargo flows while building a sustainable aviation future.