The Central Asia Aviation Summit #9 (CAAS #9), held on 15 March 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, took flight as the region’s most influential aviation gathering of the year

The Central Asia Aviation Summit #9 (CAAS #9), held on 15 March 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, took flight as the region’s most influential aviation gathering of the year. More than 200 professionals — representing over 35 airlines and 10 airports — came together to explore how innovation, investment, and collaboration are reshaping the air transport ecosystem across Central Asia.

“So far it hasn’t even started but I’ve been really impressed. We have a lot of British companies who’ve come here, who are making contacts with Kazakhstan partners. So it seems to be a real meeting place for companies offering the full range of services and for them if they’re thinking of coming into the Kazakhstan market it’s obviously a great opportunity to meet the key stakeholders. So it seems to be a really useful event,” said Sally Axworthy, MBE, British Ambassador to Kazakhstan.

Building on eight successful editions, CAAS #9 offered a refreshed and future-focused view of the region’s fast-moving aviation sector, highlighting strategic growth opportunities across infrastructure, tourism, and connectivity. Through insightful presentations by industry experts and open dialogue with senior decision-makers, the summit reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for knowledge sharing and actionable collaboration.

Engaging networking sessions, from coffee breaks and lunch discussions to the evening reception, sparked new partnerships and commercial initiatives in key areas such as route expansion, airport modernization, fleet development, risk management, and digital transformation — setting a clear course for sustainable growth and regional integration in aviation.

“The Central Asia Aviation Summit provided an unparalleled platform for industry leaders, investors, and experts to connect and exchange forward-thinking strategies,” said Damien Cussac, Commercial Account Director Central Asia at Airbus. “The high caliber of discussions and networking opportunities at this event have been incredibly valuable, fostering the exact type of collaboration needed to drive our industry’s future growth.”

The conference opened with Session 1: “Navigating Central Asia’s Crossroads: Unlocking the Next Aviation Goldmine?”, immediately setting a strategic tone. The session featured a welcome address from British Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Member of the Order of the British Empire Sally Axworthy.

Her participation highlighted the high-level political and economic relevance of CAAS as a platform where aviation leaders, policymakers, investors, and solution providers align on the next phase of growth for Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian market.

The opening segment combined a comprehensive regional overview from Maxim Pyadushkin, Chief Editor, Central Asia+ Aero; insights on Central Asia as aviation’s next frontier from Rizwan Siddiqui, Country Manager Central Asia — IATA; and a forward-looking market forecast from Damien Cussac, Commercial Account Director Central Asia, Airbus.

The session continued under the moderation of Ilya Gutlin, CEO of Aerolabs, featuring a strong mix of institutional and commercial perspectives:

• Andrew Cowen, Chairman, Vietjet Qazaqstan, presented keynote on securing fuel supply for regional growth, discussing aviation fuel strategy in Central Asia;
• Bakhtiyar Tleubekov, Chairman of the Management Board, AIFC, explored Aviation Hub: regional growth and global standards through AIFC Aviation Finance offering;
• Zhanna Shayakhmetova, VP Marketing & Sales at Air Astana, presented keynote on “Putting Kazakhstan on the Global Travel Map: How Air Astana Shapes Destination Image”;
• Daulet Khamzin, Executive Director, Astana International Airport, share his view on Airport’ development;
• Lorena Terletchi, Special Airport Systems Specialist, NACO, shared airport best practices that elevate passenger experience, strengthen operations and support long-term sustainability.

A networking lunch provided further opportunity for informal discussions and deeper engagement among participants.

The afternoon program continued with Session 2: Route Network Expansion, focusing on one of the most commercially critical topics in the region.

Gurban Karimbayli, Director of the Sustainable Development Department Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), emphasized the increasing importance of sustainability with his presentation: “Implementing ESG Frameworks and Sustainable Financing for Regional Aviation Growth.”

Ergün Altıyaprak, SVP Network Planning, AJet, outlined the airline’s strategy for expanding connections between Turkey and Central Asia, highlighting new routes to Kazakhstan and their impact on tourism growth.

The session concluded with the panel discussion “Route Network Development”, moderated by Ilya Gutlin, CEO, Aerolabs, and featuring:

• Elena Dyugay, Director Route Development, Astana International Airport
• Robert Obolgogiani, Executive Vice President CIS & South Asia, Aviareps
• 
  Rizwan Siddiqui, Country Manager Central Asia — IATA
• 
  Kamila Sadyrbakiyeva, Director Passenger Sales in Kazakhstan, Air Astana
• 
  Adilbek Umraliyev, CEO, Vietjet Qazaqstan

While route development has traditionally focused on traffic growth and liberalization, today’s environment is increasingly shaped by geopolitical dynamics, market fragmentation, and capacity constraints. The discussion offered practical insights into how airlines and airports are adapting their strategies under these evolving conditions.

The day concluded with the discussion “Challenges and Opportunities for Central Asia Market”, bringing together leading voices from leasing, finance, and advisory sectors. This session reinforced the summit’s role not only as a forum for operational and commercial dialogue, but also as a key meeting point for discussions on fleet planning, investment, and long-term market positioning.

Moderator: Maxim Pyadushkin, Chief Editor, CentralAsia+ Aero
Participants:

• Igor Voznyuk, Senior Vice President, FPG Amentum
• Zhanbolat Kakishev, Chief Product Officer, AIFC
• Jason Sutcliffe, Regional Marketing Director — MEA&CA, Rolls Royce

The discussion addressed key questions shaping the region’s future: constraints on fleet expansion, balancing rapid growth with financial resilience, and how financiers and lessors currently assess the Central Asian market.

CAAS #9 once again reaffirmed the strategic importance of Kazakhstan’s aviation sector, which accounts for more than 50% of Central Asia’s total capacity within one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

Key figures highlighted during the summit underline the scale of this growth: regional carriers have already ordered over 100 next-generation aircraft; Kazakhstan’s fleet is projected to expand from 109 to 221 aircraft by 2030; and annual passenger traffic is expected to reach 26 million within the same timeframe. These developments are supported by significant investment in airport infrastructure, including new runways and MRO facilities.

Such rapid expansion requires access to global expertise in capital raising, infrastructure development, and workforce training. The CAAS conference series — and particularly its latest edition — continues to play a critical role in addressing these priorities by connecting regional stakeholders with international knowledge, experience, and partnerships.

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>> Central Asia Aviation Summit #10

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>> Aero Engines Central Asia #3

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We look forward to welcoming you at these events!