The International Air Transport Association highlighted on Apr. 15 the significant role of aviation in Kazakhstan’s economy, noting that tourism supported by air travel contributes USD 356 million (KZT 172 billion) to the country’s gross domestic product and provides employment for 15,000 people. International tourists are estimated to bring in USD 2.6 billion (KZT 1,25 billion) annually through spending on local goods and services.
The association said these figures underscore the importance of aviation as a driver of economic growth and employment in Kazakhstan. The sector not only boosts tourism but also presents opportunities for increased foreign direct investment.
Rafael Schvartzman, IATA Regional Vice President for Europe, said: “Kazakhstan has the opportunity to capitalize on the global flows of passenger and cargo traffic while also positioning itself as a unique and attractive destination. Continued investment in safety improvements, new airport infrastructure, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will play a key role in supporting a resilient and robust aviation sector, strengthening the burgeoning tourism industry and boosting foreign direct investment in the country.”
Schvartzman urged policymakers to focus on three priorities: aligning with global safety standards; investing in affordable infrastructure; and developing SAF production capacity. He pointed out that only two Kazakh carriers—Air Astana and Scat—are currently permitted to fly to the European Union due to regulatory standards. He added that maintaining annual passenger growth above 10 percent would reinforce Kazakhstan’s position as a regional leader.
He further explained that Almaty’s USD 362 million (KZT 175 billion) airport overhaul project demonstrates commitment to infrastructure improvement, while plans for a second airport in Astana reflect expectations of continued passenger growth.
Regarding sustainability goals, Schvartzman noted that SAF is expected to account for at least 65 percent of carbon reductions needed by aviation globally by 2050 but currently represents just 0.6 percent of total jet fuel production worldwide. He described this gap as both a challenge and an opportunity for Kazakhstan given its feedstock potential.
The International Air Transport Association works to enrich the world through a safe, secure and sustainable air transport industry according to its official website. The organization includes about 360 member airlines representing more than eighty percent of global air traffic according to its official website. It seeks to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry according to its official website under director general Willie Walsh per its official website, with headquarters based in Montreal among other locations worldwide as indicated on its official website. The association engages globally through advocacy efforts aimed at advancing air transport as outlined on its official website.
