Chinese cargo airline China Central Longhao (currently also operating under the name Air Central) plans to begin operating flights via Astana International Airport in September, the airport's press service said. The carrier plans to operate four weekly flights using Boeing 747-400F freighter aircraft.
Representatives of the airport and the airline met to discuss cooperation under a programme for technical stops by cargo aircraft in Astana, as well as the further development of air freight services.
The airport expects the arrival of the new carrier to expand its cargo route network and strengthen Astana's position as a transit hub connecting China, Central Asia and other international markets.
China Central Longhao is based in Guangzhou and Zhengzhou, operates a fleet of nine aircraft and serves ten destinations. Its arrival in Astana is not an isolated case this year: on 1 August 2026, Hong Kong's Cathay Cargo began regular freighter operations via the airport, reportedly planning up to five weekly flights on Boeing 747-8F and 747-400F aircraft. Separately, Aktau airport is preparing to resume direct service to Istanbul in October.