Kazakhstan plans to launch new regular flights on several routes, significantly improving transport connectivity between the two countries. The expansion of cooperation in civil aviation was discussed at a meeting between Kazakhstan's Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastaev and Zhang Liang, Vice President of Chinese airline Urumqi Airlines, as reported by infohub.kz.
During the talks, the Chinese side announced plans to launch new regular flights on the routes Urumqi – Karaganda, Kulja (Yining) – Astana, and Kulja (Yining) – Almaty. The Kazakh side, in turn, proposed considering the opening of air service with the cities of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semey, and in the future – with new regional airports in Zaisan and Katon-Karagai. The implementation of these plans will promote tourism, improve transport accessibility, and strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Special attention was paid to the prospects of a joint project to create a regional airline in Kazakhstan using Chinese COMAC C909 aircraft, which are already operated by Urumqi Airlines. The parties discussed the possibility of using these aircraft for regional transportation, including routes to Zaisan, Katon-Karagai, and other cities with tourism potential.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed mutual interest in further developing cooperation and implementing joint projects in civil aviation.