ASTANA – Aulie-Ata International Airport in Taraz launched direct flights Oct. 29 to Yekaterinburg, Russia. SCAT Airlines will be operating a Boeing 757-200 on the route every Monday, making the trip in 2 hours, 50 minutes.
Photo credit: zhambyl.gov.kz.
“Private investments in the construction and modernisation of the airport have produced results. Today, Taraz Airport offers more than 100 flights per month,” reported its press service.
This year is the year of new beginnings for the airport, as it also initiated a tourism programme that is expected to develop a route addressing increased demand of both passengers and cargo. It has also started flights by Volga-Dnepr Airlines.
In addition, Aulie-Ata now provides service for one of the largest AN-124 class aircraft, a jet requiring a certain level of maintenance. The acquisition of special new equipment and reconstruction of the runway has made that possible.
“The maintenance of a transport plane of a class like the AN-124 will expand the possibilities in the field of freight traffic. The selected route confirms the competitiveness of the airport in the field of freight traffic. The airport can integrate transport and logistics services and offers convenient and competitive conditions,” added the press service.
Since 2016, Kazakhstan has been shipping chilled meat to Iran through Taraz airport on a weekly basis as part of the nation’s agricultural export programme.
The government expects shipping meat products to Middle Eastern countries will provide the needed impetus to develop the livestock industry in the Zhambyl region.
“The fact that our airport accepts one of the largest aircraft is a step towards even greater interest of carriers for flights through the regional centre of the Zhambyl region, which is ready for aircraft maintenance and loading and unloading at the highest level. We are ready to receive large passenger and cargo aircraft, as we train personnel in servicing all types of aircraft,” said the statement.
In the future, the airport plans to reconstruct its fuel and lubricants complex and construct an A-class cargo terminal.
Founded in 2008, Aulie-Ata International underwent major reconstruction and runway expansion five years later. As a result, the airport could handle all types of modern aircraft, including heavy Boeing and Airbus aircraft, as well as all types of helicopters. In addition, a 5,500-square metre terminal was built meeting all modern standards and requirements.
