Several prospective operators eye Kazakh market

Kazakhstan's SCAT Airlines resumes B737 MAX operations

Kazakh CAA gives Qazaq Air 10 days to draw up action plan

The Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK) says it has given Qazaq Air (IQ, Nur-Sultan Nazarbayev) until March 1 to draw up a corrective action after the state-owned carrier racked up 13 violations during a recent scheduled audit.

The regulator said in a statement dated February 19 that the plan, if accepted, would have to be fully implemented and all deficiencies resolved within three months, failure of which would result in its airworthiness certificates being revoked or other more forceful measures taken.

The AAK's scheduled inspection covered Qazaq Air's flight safety and aviation security procedures, including flight operations, aircraft airworthiness, de-icing procedures, compliance with flight safety management system standards, and compliance with aviation safety standards.

The AAK said it had directed the airline to strengthen its flight crew and maintenance personnel's checks and controls over the condition of its DHC-8-Q400 fleet's tires and brake systems as well as ensuring proper aircraft stand parking. Qazaq Air will also interact with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada and the tyres' manufacturer when an incident occurs.

“Overall, we are...

Tajikistan's Somon Air doubles B737 MAX plans

Somon Air (SZ, Dushanbe) has boosted its fleet renewal plans and intends to add two, rather than one, B737-8s, Chief Executive Thomas Hallam said during an interview at the virtual Routes Reconnected conference.

"We had discussions with Boeing for the last three-four months. We are getting to the final paperwork. I hope we will be signing the order for two B737 MAX 8s before New Year," Hallam said.

He added that the carrier planned deliveries in early summer 2021.

The order would also include options for two B737-10s, Hallam added. The airline has yet to secure financing for the aircraft. Hallam said that while the topic was difficult, he was "pretty confident" Somon Air would be able to "get it done".

The Tajik privately-owned carrier hopes to expand its network to destinations currently beyond its range thanks to the B737 MAX.

"We had long talks with the South Korean and the Chinese authorities about flights to Beijing, Shanghai Pudong, as well as Seoul Incheon. It would be...

Kazakhstan plans to introduce age restrictions for aircraft