The opening of Kazakhstan’s permanent representative office to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in May 2023 marked a new chapter in the nation’s partnership with the global aviation authority. This development has bolstered strategic collaboration, facilitating Kazakhstan’s active contribution to regional aviation initiatives and its growing role as a host for ICAO events.
In an exclusive interview with Kazinform News Agency, President of the ICAO Council, Salvatore Sciacchitano, praised Kazakhstan for its strong safety standards, forward-thinking leadership, and efforts in sustainable aviation. He emphasized Kazakhstan’s key role in Central Asia’s aviation and its commitment to global standards and environmental progress.
In May of this year, the permanent representative office of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was opened. What are the main areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and ICAO?
My recent meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev opened new horizons in our already strong partnership with Kazakhstan. The establishment of the Permanent Representation of Kazakhstan to ICAO, under Mr. Timur Tlegenov, has enhanced our relationship, creating direct channels for strategic collaboration. I am also particularly pleased by the seamless coordination between our Regional Director Nicolas Rallo and Kazakhstan’s Government Representatives, in particular Minister Karabayev, Vice-Minister Lastaev, and CAC Chairwoman Tompiyeva.
Given Kazakhstan’s position as the largest landlocked country in the world and the ninth-largest territory globally, this partnership is vital for the nation’s socio-economic development.
Kazakhstan has become an invaluable partner in our regional initiatives, actively supporting our Paris Regional Office activities and generously sharing their expertise with neighboring states. Their growing role as a host for ICAO events speaks volumes about their commitment to regional aviation development, most recently demonstrated during the “ICAO week in Kazakhstan,” which successfully combined the Regional Oversight Risk Assessment Seminar and the Regional Seminar on Green Airports.
I look forward to exploring further avenues for collaboration during the official visit I envision undertaking next year.
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How does ICAO assess the development of civil aviation in Kazakhstan? To what extent does Kazakhstan meet international flight safety standards?
Since joining ICAO in 1992, Kazakhstan has constantly evolved its civil aviation system reaching levels of excellence in Central Asia. The nation’s commitment began with the ratification of all major ICAO Conventions – Montreal 1999, Warsaw, Beijing, and Cape Town – laying a strong foundation for their aviation development, while their achievement of the region’s highest implementation scores in our USOAP and USAP programs reflects their unwavering commitment to safety and security, which are obviously pre-requisites to development.
There are many other achievements that set Kazakhstan apart. Look at the appointment of Ms. Tompiyeva as Central Asia’s first female DGCA, which demonstrates their progressive leadership approach. We can also point to the fact that it is the first CIS state to establish an independent investigation authority.
All of this helps explain with the growth of Kazakhstan’s aviation sector has been truly remarkable – serving 26 million passengers last year, 50% above pre-pandemic levels, with their open skies regime across 14 airports creating a dynamic marketplace connecting 33 countries through 133 routes. The strength of their aviation ecosystem is evident in their comprehensive network of operators, with over 20 Air Operator Certificate holders, including 4 Kazakhstani airlines and more than 30 foreign carriers providing regular service.
Kazakhstan was the first among the CIS countries to sign an agreement with ICAO and join the program on sustainable aviation fuel (ACT-SAF). What projects are planned within the framework of this agreement? What support will ICAO provide to Kazakhstan for the implementation of sustainable aviation fuel?
Kazakhstan has taken bold steps toward making flying more environmentally friendly. They were the first in Central Asia to join two crucial environmental initiatives: CORSIA, which helps airlines balance out their carbon emissions by investing in verified environmental projects, and ACT-SAF, which promotes the development and use of sustainable aviation fuels – these are advanced fuels that significantly reduce aviation’s environmental impact compared to traditional jet fuel. Their voluntary participation in these initiatives demonstrates exceptional foresight, particularly as we work toward our collective vision of zero carbon emissions by 2050.
It is particularly significant that they have stepped forward voluntarily, showing real leadership in their region. They understand that the future of aviation must be sustainable, and they’re helping to pave the way. We’re ready to provide all the support needed to help Kazakhstan develop and use these cleaner fuels, which will not only benefit their own aviation sector but also set an example for other countries in the region. Their proactive approach shows that environmental responsibility and aviation growth can go hand in hand.
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