Alatau City Authority plans air taxi service from Almaty to Konayev
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Alatau City Authority head Alisher Abdykadyrov announced plans for an air taxi service between Almaty and Konayev, with a proposed fare of $1 per kilometer. A 32-km flight would cost about 32,000 tenge, matching premium taxi rates. The service aims to reduce travel time significantly.
Proposed Pricing
Alisher Abdykadyrov, head of the state fund Alatau City Authority, said the air taxi fare would be set at $1 per kilometer. A 32-kilometer flight from Almaty to Konayev would cost approximately 32,000 tenge. This price aligns with premium taxi rates in the region, according to Abdykadyrov.
Service Details
The air taxi service is part of the development plan for the new city of Alatau. Abdykadyrov cited international benchmarks for pricing and operational models. The service aims to cut travel time between Almaty and Konayev from over an hour by road to roughly 10-15 minutes by air.
Alatau City Development Plan
Kanat Bozumbayev inspected preparations for the construction of four districts of Alatau City. The new metropolis is intended to be autonomous and modeled after leading global cities. Discussions covered investment protection, contract stability, and creation of a favorable business environment.
Alatau City Population Target
The new city of Alatau is planned to accommodate up to 2 million residents. It will be built along the Almaty–Konayev highway and is part of the New Silk Road initiative. The project aims to create the region's first fully digital city with Smart City technologies.
Cryptocurrency and Autonomous Governance
Alatau city will operate as a crypto-city with its own tax system and autonomous governance, according to the transcript. The city is envisioned as Central Asia's new Silicon Valley, focusing on innovation and digital technologies.
Deputy CEO Interview on Alatau City
Bayang Konyrbayev, Deputy CEO of the Alatau City Authority, provided additional details on the city's development. He emphasized the autonomous governance model and the integration of cryptocurrency as a core feature. The city aims to attract tech startups and become a regional innovation hub.
What's Next
The Alatau City Authority is expected to finalize the operational framework and seek regulatory approvals in the coming months. It remains unclear when the service will launch and whether the $1/km tariff will be adjusted for local market conditions.
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Alatau City Authority plans air taxi service from Almaty to Konayev
