Belgian cargo airline ASL Airlines Belgium will start refueling at Almaty International Airport under an agreement signed by KazMunayGas-Aero, a subsidiary of Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company KazMunayGas. The project aims to develop Kazakhstan's transit potential and attract international cargo carriers, according to infohub.kz.
The cooperation follows presidential instructions to strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a key aviation and transport-logistics hub in Eurasia, the company said. Under the deal, the Kazakh side will service the European carrier's flights in line with international quality standards.
The move is expected to boost Almaty airport's appeal for transit technical stops and international cargo handling, given its strategic location at the crossroads of air routes between Asia and Europe. The company emphasized that the partnership with ASL Airlines Belgium reflects international carriers' trust in Kazakhstan's aviation fuel infrastructure.
ASL Airlines Belgium, founded in 1999 and formerly known as TNT Airways, is part of the ASL Aviation Holdings group. Its fleet includes Boeing 737s and cargo Boeing 747-400ERF aircraft. The carrier operates regular routes connecting Europe, China, and the United States, manages a hub in Liège, Belgium, and provides logistics for express carrier FedEx-TNT.
KazMunayGas-Aero said expanding cooperation with leading global cargo airlines remains a priority. The company plans to continue developing international partnerships, broaden its geographic presence, and ensure high service levels in aviation fuel supply at Kazakhstan's airports.