Kazaviaspas Plans Major Fleet Expansion with 26 New Aircraft, Exploring Canadian Model

Kazaviaspas, the aviation arm of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations based at Almaty International, is set to significantly expand its fixed-wing fleet. The airline is exploring a development strategy akin to the Canadian model, suitable for Kazakhstan’s similar geographical and climatic conditions. This initiative was detailed in a recent statement on the carrier’s website following a high-level meeting.

The meeting, conducted on January 15 and led by Deputy Minister of Emergencies Baurzhan Syzdykov, brought together Kazaviaspas board members and representatives from various Kazakhstani ministries, including defence, finance, health, industry, and transport. Additionally, officials from the civil aviation authority, Euro-Asia Air, and the Aviator training centre participated in the discussions.

Central to the meeting was the focus on modernizing the fleet with aircraft that meet stringent flight safety and quality standards. The discussions included insights from aviation experts and manufacturers. The existing development program for Kazaviaspas, spanning from 2020 to 2029, envisages the acquisition of 58 aircraft: 32 helicopters and 26 fixed-wing aircraft. The latter category includes two jet aircraft, four for interregional flights, and 20 for regional operations.

The Canadian model, noted for its efficiency in similar terrain and climatic conditions, emerged as the most suitable template for Kazakhstan. This approach emphasizes the use of small and ultralight aviation for special-purpose flights. The targeted aircraft are expected to have a passenger capacity of up to 19 and a maximum takeoff weight of no more than 5.7 tons. These aircraft are preferred for their lower acquisition and operational costs compared to helicopters.

In the meeting, various aircraft configurations were considered, focusing on standard passenger, sanitary, cargo, and amphibious variants. Special attention was given to aircraft featuring short take-off and landing capabilities.

Kazaviaspas primarily engages in transport of ministry personnel and cargo, along with firefighting, forestry, medevac, search and rescue, and aerial survey missions. The current fleet primarily consists of Airbus Helicopters and previously included various models from Soviet-era Tupolev and Ilyushin Design Bureaus.

This strategic fleet expansion and modernization plan underscores Kazaviaspas’ commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities, aligning with global aviation standards and adapting to Kazakhstan’s unique geographic and operational requirements.