Tenfrinews.kz — Direct flights from Kazakhstan to Tokyo and New York are planned to be launched after the delivery of new Boeing aircraft, Vice Minister of Transport Maksat Kaliakparov said on the sidelines of the government.
Journalists asked the vice minister when Kazakhstan would launch direct flights to Tokyo and New York. Earlier, it was reported that flights could begin in spring 2026, then the сроки were shifted to autumn.
Kaliakparov could not name an exact date. According to him, the launch depends on the delivery of Boeing aircraft capable of operating such routes.
“We are expecting Boeing Dreamliners that can carry out these перевозки. We have met with Boeing more than once. The implementation сроки have been postponed multiple times. From our side, payment and all obligations have been fulfilled. There are obligations on Boeing’s side that they are not meeting. But we are in constant negotiations,” the vice minister said.
According to him, a preliminary agreement for a flight to Tokyo already exists.
“As soon as the aircraft arrive, we will immediately open the route. We already have experience operating such flights. As soon as we receive the aircraft, we will launch it right away,” Kaliakparov noted.
When asked whether the flight would depart from Almaty or Astana, the vice minister said that it would be a single route. Tentatively, the launch is expected in autumn, but exact сроки cannot yet be specified.
Journalists also asked when Kazakhstanis would be able to fly directly to New York. Kaliakparov replied that this route also depends on Boeing deliveries.
“From the ministry’s side, all necessary documentation is ready. There is a corresponding instruction from the prime minister. We are waiting for Boeing,” he said.
When asked whether the New York route could be launched by the end of the year if aircraft for the Japan route arrive in autumn, Kaliakparov answered affirmatively.
Context
Earlier it was reported that the launch of a direct flight to New York has been under discussion for several years. The Ministry of Transport stated that opening direct flights to the United States requires the delivery of a Boeing aircraft for Air Astana, and the delivery date of the first aircraft was postponed by the manufacturer to July 2026.
Later, the ministry clarified that direct flights to Tokyo are planned to be launched in 2026, and flights to New York — at the end of 2026. The ministry also explained that the сроки change due to aircraft delivery schedules.
