On the sidelines of the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly, Chair of the Civil aviation committee of the Ministry of transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Saltanat Tompiyeva, held a meeting with the Head of the Japanese Delegation, Deputy Vice Minister for International Aviation of Japan, Ms. Rieka Nakayama, and the Permanent Representative of Japan to ICAO, Mr. Toshiyuki Onuma.

The meeting focused on air connectivity between the two countries. It was noted that the legal framework between Kazakhstan and Japan allows for the operation of regular air services. In 2019–2020, SCAT Airlines successfully operated flights on the Astana - Tokyo route, demonstrating both the potential and demand for direct air connectivity.

Given the growing interest in strengthening business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, Kazakhstan expressed its interest in resuming direct air services with Japan.

The Japanese side, emphasized the need for joint efforts to enhance air connectivity and further deepen bilateral cooperation. As a first step, both parties highlighted the importance of close cooperation between a Japanese carrier and Kazakhstan’s Air Astana. Commercial agreements between the two sides have already been signed.