In Astana, during ICAO Aviation Security Week, Michael Daniel, CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Kazakhstan, met Sidney Koh, Senior Director for Aviation Development at the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport reported it on 21–22 October 2026.
What was discussed
The sides discussed extending the existing memorandum and broadening cooperation. Topics: — training and internships for Kazakhstani inspectors and other specialists at the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA); — risk-based oversight, with exchange of experience named as one of the key areas; — aviation security training and flight safety oversight, including areas covered by ICAO's USOAP-CMA audit programme; — maintenance of air navigation systems and aviation innovation.
The Singaporean side proposed an annual dialogue between the leadership of the Civil Aviation Authority of Kazakhstan and CAAS to align priorities and share practical experience. Kazakhstan expects the cooperation to strengthen the skills of aviation specialists and the sector's workforce in line with international standards.
What has not been announced
The memorandum extension has not been signed, the annual dialogue has been proposed rather than launched, and no sending of specialists to Singapore has been announced. Timelines, participant numbers, cost and funding were not given.
Our assessment: the meeting shows that Kazakhstan is building inspector training on the experience of a regulator with developed oversight, amid the region's recent focus on ICAO audits and safety. The real effect will be visible once the extension is signed and a training programme is announced. This is flycentralasia's conclusion, not a statement by the Civil Aviation Authority of Kazakhstan or CAAS.
What businesses can do. Training centres and consultants in oversight and safety can watch for announcements of training programmes and partnerships. Airports and airlines in Kazakhstan can bear in mind that oversight requirements and methods may change as inspectors are trained.