ASTANA – Kazakhstan has moved forward with a significant aviation agreement involving Airbus, signing a memorandum of understanding during the 16th session of the Kazakhstan-France Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation held in Paris on December 5. The arrangement outlines the procurement of 25 Airbus A320neo aircraft, with an additional 25 available as optional purchases, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Transport, though financial specifics remain undisclosed.
Discussions between Kazakh Vice Minister Talgat Lastayev and Airbus Vice President Charbel Youzkatli centered on delivery schedules set for 2031, with both parties exploring possibilities to expedite the timeline. Other collaborative initiatives were also discussed, including the creation of a joint aviation training facility and potential aircraft leasing frameworks.
Efforts to improve air connectivity between the two nations included talks on restoring direct flights between Paris and Astana, as well as launching a new route linking Shymkent and Nice.
Airbus has maintained a growing presence in Kazakhstan since delivering its first A320 to Air Astana in 2006. Presently, Air Astana and its low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan operate over 50 aircraft from the A320 Family. Additionally, eight Airbus corporate jets, including wide-body models, are currently in service within the country, some operated by the state-owned Berkut airline.
The intergovernmental meeting, co-led by Kazakhstan’s Industry and Construction Minister Yersayin Nagaspayev and French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Nicolas Forissier, also addressed cooperation in industrial development, energy, transportation, water infrastructure, waste management, and low-emission technologies. Officials emphasized their commitment to deepening strategic ties and improving conditions for French businesses operating in Kazakhstan.
France continues to be a major economic partner for Kazakhstan, with bilateral trade totaling $4.22 billion in 2024—$2.89 billion in Kazakh exports and $1.33 billion in imports. French investments in Kazakhstan have exceeded $20.4 billion.
Among agreements finalized were a contract for modernizing heating, water, and wastewater systems in Aktobe, and a memorandum between Taldykorgan’s information center and French tech firm Actility for the FASEP Smart City pilot project. Another MoU between Kazakhstan’s ASTEL and Actility is in finalization stages.
— news from The Astana Times
— News Original —
Talks in Paris Advance Aircraft Deal with Airbus, Solidify Broader Economic Cooperation with Kazakhstan
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding to deliver more A320neo aircraft to the country following the 16th meeting of the Kazakhstan-France Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation and the Kazakh-French Business Council meeting on Dec. 5 in Paris. n nThe memorandum entails the delivery of Airbus A320neo aircraft in a format of 25 initial jets with an option for 25 more, reported the Kazakh Transport Ministry. The ministry, however, did not disclose the details of the deal. n nKazakh Vice Minister Talgat Lastayev also met with Airbus Vice President Charbel Youzkatli to discuss delivery timelines scheduled for 2031 and the possibility of accelerating them. The vice minister also raised plans to establish a joint aviation training center with Airbus and explore aircraft leasing arrangements. n nTo enhance transport connectivity between the two countries, the sides also explored the opportunity to resume Paris-Astana flights and the potential launch of a Shymkent–Nice route. n nAirbus delivered its first A320 to Kazakhstan’s Air Astana in 2006, marking the start of a steady expansion of the manufacturer’s presence in the region. According to the company’s data, today, the combined fleets of Air Astana and Fly Arystan low-cost carrier operate more than 50 A320 Family aircraft. Airbus Corporate Jets also has a strong foothold in Kazakhstan, with eight single-aisle and wide-body jets in service, including those operated by the Berkut state carrier. n nKey deals signed at the meeting n nThe meeting, co-chaired by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev and France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Nicolas Forissier, focused on cooperation prospects in industrial projects, energy, transport, water supply, waste processing, and the adoption of low-carbon and environmentally sustainable technologies. n nOfficials reaffirmed their interest in strengthening the strategic partnership and expanding trade and economic ties. Nagaspayev said Kazakhstan remains committed to creating favorable conditions for French investors and companies already operating in the country. n nFrance remains one of Kazakhstan’s key trade and investment partners. According to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, bilateral trade reached $4.22 billion in 2024, including $2.89 billion in Kazakh exports and $1.33 billion in imports. French investments in the country have surpassed $20.4 billion. n nAmong the documents signed following the meeting were also an agreement on developing, modernizing, and managing heating, water supply, and wastewater infrastructure in Aktobe, and a memorandum of understanding on the FASEP Smart City pilot project between the Taldykorgan city information and analytics center and Actility, a French technology company specializing in low-power, wide-area IoT networks. n nA memorandum of understanding on cooperation between ASTEL, Kazakhstan’s digital solutions and telecommunications provider, and Actility is currently being finalized.