A panel discussion on the topic "The Course for the Development of Civil Aviation" was held in Almaty as part of the Jubilee V International Transport and Logistics Business Forum "New Silk Way," organised by the Union of Transport Workers of Kazakhstan "KAZLOGISTICS."

Mr. Catalin Radu, Director General of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, Mr. Ersoy Alp Er Tunga, President of JSC "Almaty International Airport", Khamzin D., Dauletbek A., Vice President of JSC "Air Astana," Director of the Department for to work with international and state organisations of the airline JSC "SCAT Airline," N. Zhakupov, and others were present at the meeting.

Representatives of foreign airlines operating regular passenger and cargo air transportation from/to the Republic of Kazakhstan also attended the session (Turkish Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Silk Way West, Fly Dubai, Qatar Airways, etc.).

The session was moderated by T. Lastaev, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who emphasised the importance of holding such meetings in the format of opinion exchange and discussion of industry prospects.

One of Kazakhstan's economic policy priorities is to realise its transport and transit potential. A modern logistics infrastructure that fully meets consumer demand when moving passengers and cargo is required for transit development.

The panel discussion focused on current civil aviation issues, such as ensuring flight safety, the state and development of passenger and cargo air transportation, modernization of airport ground infrastructure, and integration processes into the global aviation system.

It was noted that positive industry indicators were achieved through the collaborative efforts of state bodies, civil aviation entities, and taking into account external economic factors and challenges. The speakers expressed their intention to maintain the growth dynamics in order to create favourable conditions for the development of transit.

Furthermore, the speakers raised concerns in their reports about the shortage of aviation fuel, the shortage of qualified personnel, the industry's insufficient level of digitalization, and customs barriers.

At the end of the session, the participants agreed to work together to resolve the issues raised and to begin implementing the planned projects as soon as possible, which will contribute to the growth of air transit traffic.