Central Asia: Digital Aviation Forum 2025 a resounding success
| Event | Central Asia: Digital Aviation #2 |
|---|---|
| Organiser | ATO COMM |
| Event Date | 22.10.2025 |
| Press Release Date | 23.10.2025 |
Central Asia Digital Aviation Summit 2025 was successfully held on October 22, 2025, at the Royal Tulip Almaty, Kazakhstan. This premier industry gathering brought together over 250 participants from 178 companies across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Türkiye, Iran, France, the UAE, and other countries — uniting aviation professionals, technology innovators, airlines, airports, and travel service companies under one roof.
The forum has firmly established itself as the region’s leading platform for digital transformation in aviation, where industry decision-makers and innovators meet to exchange ideas, form new partnerships, and define the technological future of air travel in Central Asia.
According to unanimous feedback from delegates, the event was distinguished by its excellent organization, content quality, and networking opportunities. Participants praised the forum for fostering a productive environment that encouraged collaboration, knowledge exchange, and long-term business relationships.
“The aviation industry is moving away from legacy systems toward new digital services,” said David Rutnam, Senior Manager Industry Distribution Programs Adoption FSDS Distribution at IATA, “and airlines in Central Asia have a unique opportunity to leapfrog stages of technological evolution by adopting the most advanced and forward-looking MAR solutions.”
A Strong Start: Opening and Keynotes
The program featured several thematic sessions that explored the most relevant topics in aviation’s digital evolution — from modern airline retailing and alternative distribution models to payment innovations, data analytics, and real-life transformation stories from regional carriers and airports.
Moderated by Ilya Gutlin, CEO of Aerolabs, the morning session offered a deep dive into how digitalization is redefining airline efficiency and customer engagement.
Highlights included:
- David Rutnam (IATA) — presenting IATA’s digital roadmap and the organization’s latest global initiatives.
- Albina Kanatova (Aviasales.kz) — unveiling data-driven travel insights unique to the Central Asian market, based on millions of user searches and bookings.
- Christian Baillet (Paximizer) — offering practical playbooks on how airlines can transform customer data into revenue, particularly in emerging markets.
- Adem Gassymov (Air Astana) shared how digital tools enhance passenger engagement and loyalty through a customer-driven digital journey.
- Yerzhan Akhmetzhanov (FlyArystan) discussed FlyArystan’s impressive digital transformation path, highlighting milestones in mobile innovation and automation.
Afternoon Sessions: Payments, Data, and Case Studies
The afternoon program, moderated by Maxim Pyadushkin, Editor-in-Chief of Central Asia+ Aero, centered on emerging technologies and innovative approaches to air travel.
In a dynamic session on payment systems and distribution, Javid Jaffer, Senior Analytics Product Manager, demonstrated how enterprise data analytics can significantly boost airline efficiency and decision-making. The discussion continued with insights into modern agency distribution solutions and the evolving ecosystem of airline retailing.
The third session showcased success stories and best practices from across the industry. Experts discussed how digitalization drives operational excellence, enhances customer satisfaction, and reshapes commercial strategies. Among the distinguished contributors were Mirko Kopf (Lufthansa Consulting), Aleksey Boyko (ETS International), and Mikhail Baryshnikov (Centrum Air), who shared their perspectives on aligning technology investments with business growth.
Travel Massive: TravelTech in Kazakhstan
The forum concluded with a Travel Massive session, moderated by Leonid Pustov, bringing together leaders of Kazakhstan’s TravelTech community. Representatives from Halyk Travel, My Agent Kazakhstan, and Almaty Tourism Bureau discussed current trends in travel technology, digital marketing, and partnerships between airlines and online agencies.
This closing discussion underscored how the region’s fast-growing travel ecosystem is embracing innovation and building the foundation for sustainable digital growth.
Partners, Sponsors, and Impact
The Central Asia: Digital Aviation Forum 2025 was proudly supported by major partners including Aviasales.kz, Paximizer, Turkish Airlines, SCAT Airlines, Lufthansa Consulting with special support from the Almaty Tourism Bureau.
Their participation and commitment reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between global and regional players in accelerating the aviation industry’s digital evolution.
A Milestone for Central Asia
This landmark forum proved that digital transformation is no longer a trend — it is a necessity for the aviation sector’s competitiveness and resilience. Through open dialogue, expert presentations, and cross-industry networking, Central Asia: Digital Aviation Forum 2025 demonstrated how digital technologies are enabling airlines, airports, and travel companies to:
- Enhance operational efficiency
- Personalize customer experience
- Unlock new commercial opportunities
- Position Central Asia as a strategic aviation hub
