QazaqAir Plans to Initiate Flights Between Astana, Turkistan, and Samarkand in May
NEW LOOK FOR QAZAQ AIR: Astana-based airline QazaqAir is all set to introduce a new route connecting Astana, Turkistan, and Samarkand starting May 1, the Kazakh Transport Ministry's press service announced.
Samarkand. Image credit: Uzbekistan.travel
These flights will take off twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, ultimately increasing the weekly Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan flights from 42 to 44.
Last year, QazaqAir switched hands from Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund to a consortium led by the Vietnamese conglomerate Sovico Group. The airline is now operating under the new moniker Vietjet Qazaqstan, signifying a strategic move to position itself as a modern, cost-efficient carrier catering to both domestic and international routes.
UPGRADES ON THE HORIZON: The joint venture between Vietjet (Vietnam's leading low-cost carrier) and Qazaq Air is set to modernize the airline's operations with at least 20 Boeing 737 aircraft in the fleet. This move aims to boost operational efficiency and accommodate an increased number of passengers. The airline will also implement advanced digital management systems and undergo comprehensive training programs for pilots and engineers, supported by a customer services agreement with Boeing.
TAPS INTO REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY: Vietjet Qazaqstan aims to serve as a crucial conduit linking Kazakhstan to Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and significant international destinations. It intends to capitalize on the rising travel demand in the region while fostering tourism, trade, and logistics sectors. Furthermore, the Sovico Group has expressed an interest in purchasing and managing an airport in Kazakhstan, signaling broader aspirations to fortify the airline's infrastructure and widen its operational base.
EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: The expansion is projected to generate thousands of high-quality job opportunities and contribute positively to local socio-economic development.
| Aspect | Details ||----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|| Current Owner | Sovico Group (via Aviation Holdings/Vietjet) || New Brand | Vietjet Qazaqstan || Fleet Plans | At least 20 Boeing 737 aircraft || Focus Areas | Digitalization, staff training, regional connectivity || Expansion Ambitions | New international routes, possible airport acquisition || Expected Benefits | Job creation, tourism, trade, and logistics growth in region |
- Vietjet Qazaqstan, under the new management of the Sovico Group, aims to expand its operations by introducing new flights connecting Astana, Turkistan, and Samarkand.
- Part of the modernization process involves acquiring at least 20 Boeing 737 aircraft to boost operational efficiency and accommodate more passengers.
- The airline also plans to implement advanced digital management systems and conduct comprehensive training programs for its pilots and engineers, with support from Boeing.
- Beyond regional connectivity, Vietjet Qazaqstan seeks to serve as a conduit linking Kazakhstan to Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and significant international destinations.
- This expansion is expected to generate thousands of high-quality job opportunities and contribute positively to local socio-economic development.
