KazMunayGas (KMG), its subsidiary KazMunayGas-Aero and Exolum Aviation, the aviation division of the international infrastructure group Exolum, signed a tripartite agreement on the main terms of strategic cooperation. The signing was reported on 28 October 2026. It followed a meeting in Astana between KMG Management Board Chairman Askhat Khassenov and Exolum Senior Vice President for Aviation Ivan Muiño.
What it provides
The sides intend to develop aviation fuel infrastructure at Kazakhstan's airports, attracting international investment, technology and industry expertise. Under consideration are: — construction of refuelling complexes; — construction of specialised aviation fuel storage; — modernisation of existing facilities.
New and upgraded facilities are to handle Jet A-1 under Joint Inspection Group (JIG) requirements, the international group for aviation fuel quality control standards. KMG will contribute knowledge of the Kazakh market, facilitate engagement with industry players and take part in developing projects.
What the sides say
Askhat Khassenov said that cooperation with one of the major international companies in the industry will help accelerate technological modernisation. According to Exolum, entering the Kazakh market will be the first step in expanding its presence in the Eurasian region.
About Exolum
Exolum, by its own description, is headquartered in Madrid and operates in 10 countries in Europe and the Americas, managing about 6,000 km of pipelines and 68 terminals with over 11 million cubic metres of combined capacity. Exolum Aviation designs, builds and operates refuelling complexes and centralised refuelling systems, serves 50 airports in Europe and Latin America and is a JIG member.
Next step
A comprehensive economic analysis is planned in the near future. Its results will determine specific projects, investment volumes, allocation of responsibilities and stages of cooperation.
What has not been announced
The airports, timelines, volume and sources of investment, the form of Exolum's participation (stake, contract, operation), the owner of future facilities, tariffs and the financial model have not been named. The agreement fixes main terms, not specific funded projects. JIG requirements are named as a benchmark for facilities, but certification of existing and future facilities has not been announced. No separate release from Exolum has been found.
Our assessment: aviation fuel infrastructure in Kazakhstan has already reached government level: on 29 October Deputy Transport Minister Talgat Lastayev said modernisation of airports, including refuelling complexes and cargo terminals, is planned over the next three years. Against this background KMG's agreement with a foreign operator shows the sides are seeking not only money but ready expertise on JIG standards. But with no airports, timelines or amounts yet, the outcome will depend on the economic analysis. For the market this means airports and carriers are not yet getting new fuelling capacity, only a signal of possible partners. This is flycentralasia's conclusion, not a statement by KMG or Exolum.
What businesses can do. Kazakhstan's airports with growing cargo and international traffic should prepare data on refuelling volumes and constraints that will be needed for the economic analysis. Suppliers of refuelling equipment, contractors and banks should watch which airports make the list. Airlines and cargo carriers planning transit through Kazakhstan should take into account that improved refuelling is expected later, not immediately.