BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. Kazakhstan and Hong
Kong-based airline Cathay have discussed expanding air
connectivity, including the launch of new cargo and passenger
services.
This was published by Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport in a
press release following a meeting between Chair of Kazakhstan's
Civil Aviation Committee Saltanat Tompiyeva and Cathay Regional
Manager for the Middle East Oliver Coelho.
According to the ministry, during the talks, the airline
outlined plans to launch up to five weekly Boeing 747 cargo flights
to Astana from Aug. 1, 2026, and three weekly Airbus A330 passenger
services on the Hong Kong-Almaty route beginning in January
2027.
"The parties agreed to continue joint work on completing the
necessary procedures for launching cargo and passenger services and
to maintain close cooperation on developing air connectivity
between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong," the ministry said.
The ministry noted that the new routes are expected to support
trade, tourism, and logistics links between Kazakhstan and Hong
Kong. The Kazakh side also confirmed its readiness to facilitate
the implementation of the proposed services.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Cathay is one of Asia's largest
international airlines, operating a fleet of more than 230
aircraft. Its cargo division, Cathay Cargo, serves 41 destinations
worldwide and handles more than 1.67 million tons of freight
annually.
