During a government meeting on October 29, Deputy Transport Minister Talgat Lastayev announced that Alatau Air Cargo has signed a contract for the aircraft supply. The first Airbus A340 is expected to arrive in November 2026, with the second anticipated in March 2027. The long-term goal is to expand the fleet to ten aircraft.
According to CentralAsia+Aero, the A340-600s are owned by the European Aviation Group from the UK, led by Paul Stoddart, who previously owned the Minardi Formula 1 team. These planes will be leased for two years as a temporary measure while the airline looks for more suitable permanent freighters, likely Boeing 767Fs.
Lastayev also shared plans for modernizing airport infrastructure over the next three years, which includes upgrading runways and terminals, as well as developing refueling complexes and cargo terminals. The modernization of the air navigation system has already begun, and he noted that Kazakhstan currently has 46 logistics centers, with an additional 21 planned by 2030.
About Alatau Air Cargo
Alatau Air Cargo was founded in October 2025 as KTZ Air Cargo, a subsidiary of KTZ Express (Kazakhstan Temir Zholy). The company rebranded to its current name on June 10, 2026, after Timur Turlov’s group acquired a controlling stake. Currently, Turlov Private Holding owns 50.98%, while KTZ Express holds 49.02%. Blair Pollock has been the CEO since August 17, 2026. The airline aims to facilitate transit cargo flights from China and Southeast Asia to Europe and back through Kazakhstan, in addition to offering charter flights based on demand.
Why A340-600s?
The decision to use A340-600s is likely influenced by the current tight market for aircraft, favorable leasing terms, the airline’s inexperience in the sector, and the political pressure to start operations quickly. The establishment of this national cargo carrier was directed by Kazakhstan’s president, who has emphasized the need for the airline to be operational soon. In his annual address on October 28, 2026, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed optimism about Alatau Air Cargo, highlighting the trust placed in the company but also stressing the need for tangible results. He stated,
“You have been given trust, and we expect concrete results”
pointing out the potential for significant funding and the ability to attract top foreign talent while making independent decisions.
In his speech, Tokayev also discussed Kazakhstan’s potential as a transit hub, noting that the air corridors between Europe and Asia offer a competitive edge. However, he acknowledged that this potential is mostly theoretical at the moment and requires the development of strong ground service infrastructure.
