BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Air
Astana has launched a new international route between Astana,
Kazakhstan, and Salalah, Oman, ahead of Kazakhstan's Republic Day,
according to the Kazakh Ministry of Transport.
Flights will be operated using Airbus A320
aircraft.
"The launch of the new route is part of the
implementation of the Head of State's instructions to develop the
aviation industry, expand the geography of international flights
and strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a transit aviation hub,"
the ministry said.
According to the ministry, an important step in
developing air links between the two countries was the signing of
an air services agreement between the governments of Kazakhstan and
Oman on October 6. The agreement was signed during a meeting
between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Sultan of Oman
Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.
The inaugural Astana-Salalah flight carried 140
passengers. A day earlier, on October 23, Air Astana operated its
first flight from Almaty to Salalah, also with a full passenger
load.
The ministry noted that air services between
Kazakhstan and Oman are also available on the Almaty-Muscat route,
operated by Oman's SalamAir.
With the launch of the two new routes to Salalah,
Kazakhstan's national carrier has expanded its international
network with two destinations in Oman.
The new routes are expected to contribute to the
development of tourism, trade, and economic and cultural ties
between Kazakhstan and Oman.
