The Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK), the authorized governmental agency whichcontrol and oversees Kazakhstan’s aviation industry in the fields of flight safety and aviation security, celebrates its five years anniversary.

AAK's activities are focused on the European model of civil aviation regulation, which is one of the most advanced and effective methods in the world, fully complying with ICAO regulations and recommended practices.

Over the course of five years, the AAK developed proposed revisions to the basic legislation of civil aviation, as well as more than 100 draft laws and regulations, and worked with the authorized authority to implement the changes. This huge effort has enabled the implementation of new standards, ICAO recommended procedures, and international best practices, as well as the increase in transparency and integrity.

In 2021, an ICAO validation mission was completed, raising the flight safety assurance level to 84%, 15% higher than the global average.

Over the last two years, Kazakhstan has worked closely with the European Commission to improve its flight safety level. As a result of the technical visit of experts from the European Commission, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the aviation authorities of the European Union members, as well as the results of the European Commission's Air Safety Committee meeting in May of this year, Kazakhstan came out from enhanced flight safety monitoring. This implies Kazakhstani airlines have no limitations on flights to Europe. Seven out of nineteenth recognized airlines have authority to travel to Europe.

Since 2019, the AAK has executed over 28 thousand public services, with more than 99% delivered on schedule.

During the preceding time, aviation security inspectors performed 358 inspections and delivered almost 10,000 state services, including the issue of crew member certificates and the certification of airport aviation security services. More than 4,000 procedures were completed to permit inspectors from the aviation security inspection unit to work.

Over a five-year period, 768 airworthiness certificates were issued. Over the course of five years, AAK inspectors conducted inspections and certifications in the field of flight operation, providing41 air operator certificates and 24 aerial work certificates.

In the field of licensing for five years, AAK has provided more than 15000state services for issuing certificates to aviation personnel and certification of aviation training centers.

Kazakhstan was the first CIS country to announce 100% implementation of the Global Runway Surface Condition Reporting Format (GRF) standards. This document is an important ICAO provision aimed at reducing the risks associated with aircraft rollout.

In 2020, AAK issued a certificate to the first new airport in Kazakhstan, Turkestan Airport. This event was preceded by extensive work to improve safety standards at the airfield operator, which served as invaluable experience and a foundation for further growth of AAK specialists.

Currently, the Aviation Administration employs more than 150 aviation inspectors, and their experience is constantly enriched based on the best international practices.

The high level of aviation safety is achieved through strict standards and procedures, effective control of their implementation, continuous staff training, introduction of modern technologies, risk management and close international cooperation.

In 2019, within the framework of the ICAO Assembly, Kazakhstan was recognized among 190 countries of the world with a high award from the President of the ICAO Council for the results achieved in ensuring aviation security.

In 2023, the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan was awarded the Air Transport News Corporate Award, which recognizes the work done by the AAK to transition to a new model of civil aviation management in Kazakhstan.

The State Safety Plan of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2024–2027 has been developed for the first time in accordance with ICAO requirements.

AAK works on a variety of projects aimed at enhancing Kazakhstan's global recognition. In 2023, Almaty hosted a regional symposium on the International Civil Aviation Organization's ICAO TRIP passenger identification program. ICAO officially marked 2024 to be the Year of Facilitation at the regional conference. Over the course of five years, AAK inspectors conducted 140 inspections on facilitation, passenger and cargo services, as well as 86 inspections on the safe transportation of dangerous goods through air.

In 2024, Kazakhstan hosted a Plenary meeting of the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking оn Unmanned Systems (JARUS) with the participation of representatives of JARUS members from 65 countries, international organizations and representatives of Central Asia countries to promote harmonized rules in the field of unmanned aircraft and introduce experience in joint efforts. In July 2023, Kazakhstan became the 66th member of this organization, and the Director General of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan JSC from the Republic of Kazakhstan was elected to the post of Vice-Chair of the JARUS Asia/Australasia region.

In addition, in June of this year, the AAK held the International Air Cargo Association TIACA Forum in Astana under the theme "Silk Road in the Sky - Kazakhstan Air Cargo Hub".

Among the initiatives allowing the world to learn more about Kazakhstan is the appointment of a permanent representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal in May of this year.
The AAK initiated the establishment of the Eurasian Civil Aviation Conference at the regional level. This is a critical move that will reinforce the regional cooperation and Kazakhstan's leadership position in the region.
The Aviation Administration will soon have to undergo an FAA safety audit before launching direct flights to the United States.

The rapid growth of traffic (by over 20% per year) demonstrates millions of tourists' faith in Kazakhstan's aviation system.
The European Commission /EASA, FAA, and other Civil Aviation Authorities as well as international organizations and the industry supports AAK's efforts and successes.

The work's outcomes reinforce Kazakhstan's leadership position in Central Asia and the CIS andserve as an example of successful aviation reform implementation.