Kazakhstan's cargo airline Alatau Air Cargo plans to start flights in early 2027. This was stated by company representative Nurlan Zhakupov at the New Silk Way forum in Astana. According to him, Hong Kong will be the first destination, and the fleet may eventually grow to ten widebody aircraft. The company is discussing the acquisition of aircraft and preparing for certification.
The airline was created in October 2025 as KTZ Air Cargo. On 10 June 2026 it was renamed Alatau Air Cargo and re-registered from Astana to the Karaganda region. Its shareholders are a Timur Turlov structure and KTZ Express, a subsidiary of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy: after a share issue Turlov Private Holding held 50.98% and KTZ Express 49.02%. In August the Turlov Private Holding stake passed to TPH Logistics Group, also part of the Turlov holding. The holding controls 60% of Sary-Arka airport in the Karaganda region, where the company will apparently be based.
Since 17 August 2026 the chief executive has been Blair Pollock. Peter Foster, an independent director since 22 May, left the board early.
Entry into mainland China will take longer because separate permits will be required. Karaganda will be the main hub, and part of the cargo is planned to be transshipped to rail for onward carriage.
Our assessment: the stated plan makes Alatau Air Cargo one of the most visible new cargo projects in the region. For lessors of widebody freighters and for Hong Kong airport, it is an early signal of future demand for aircraft and slots. This is flycentralasia's conclusion, not a statement by the company.