Kazakhstan senate approves law amendments for direct US flights
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The Kazakh Senate on Thursday approved amendments to transport legislation aligning with international standards, a step toward opening direct air service between Kazakhstan and the United States. Senator Shakharim Buktugurov said the changes are needed to pass an international aviation safety assessment required by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
The Amendments
The bill, titled "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts on Machinery and Transport," includes provisions regulating Kazakh aircraft flights in foreign airspace and introducing temporary exemptions from domestic requirements per ICAO standards. Senator Buktugurov emphasized the primary goal is to enable direct flights between Kazakhstan and the United States by passing the FAA's international aviation safety assessment.
Industrial Clusters and SEZs
The legislation introduces industrial clusters based on a cooperative production principle involving small and medium enterprises from all regions. It also strengthens special economic zones by requiring participants to use Kazakh-origin goods during construction and domestic raw materials in production. Another set of amendments targets vehicle assembly agreements, mandating the use of chassis produced in Kazakhstan.
Capacity Balance Mechanism
A new mechanism will assess production capacity balance to prevent state support for new projects when existing facilities already meet domestic demand. The bill also aims to boost competitiveness of local manufacturers and improve technological processes, according to Buktugurov.
What's Next
The bill now goes to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for signature. It remains unclear when Kazakhstan will complete the FAA safety assessment and launch direct flights to the United States.
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Kazakhstan senate approves law amendments for direct US flights
