The First Kazakhstan Aviation Talks: Energy Transition for Sustainability and Transit Development in Central Asia" was held in Astana.

Participants at the forum discussed issues such as reducing aviation emissions (Fly Net Zero 2050), opportunities for the production of sustainable aviation fuel in Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan's transition to Jet A-1 aviation fuel, and the impact of geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions on the development of Central Asia's transit potential.

One of the main goals of the meeting was to bring the Central Asian aviation community together to create a road plan for civil aviation development that considers global trends in the aviation fuel industry. The outcomes of the First Kazakhstan Aviation Talks will help Kazakhstan and Central Asia strengthen the aviation fuel industry and increase flight safety.

Mehmet Nane, Chair of the IATA Board of Governors, emphasised Kazakhstan's strong support for aviation industry development and infrastructure provision. "I am delighted to see Kazakhstan's aviation industry demonstrating dynamic development, which ensures flight safety and the efficiency of the aviation industry." Kazakhstan is a leading Central Asian country located between Asia and Europe, and its aviation industry will contribute significantly to your country's economic development."

All major Kazakh refineries are now equipped to manufacture Jet A-1 fuel, which meets international requirements and is utilized in many nations worldwide. Using this fuel type will raise demand for refueling complexes at Kazakhstan's airports and allow the national aviation industry to fulfill international safety and quality of service criteria.

The First Kazakhstan Aviation Dialogue served as a foundation for cooperation between the nations; according to Catalin Radu, Director General of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, "Our priority is the safety and security of the customers. We work hard to ensure that flights are safe and reasonably priced, and we make an effort to offer the appropriate connections. We are collaborating with nations in Central Asia and the Caucasus through this forum, a regional cooperation initiative, to increase effectiveness and safety.

"Aviation plays a significant role in domestic flights and goods transportation." In the state, aviation is a strategic direction. Kazakhstan's aviation development serves as a model for neighboring Central Asian countries. Kazakhstan is a factor in the growth of aviation, setting an example of aviation development and increasing the importance for investors." - Lifetime Ambassador of ICAO, iPADIS President Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu stated.

Kazakhstan is thinking about developing a sustainable alternative aviation fuel (SAF). Domestic airports will become more appealing to foreign carriers as a result (European carriers are converting and/or partially switching to SAF beginning in 2030).

Zhanna Shek, Senior Director, Sustainable Development, Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, said during a session on the Global Market Outlook of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and its Impact on Airlines: "SAF use within CORSIA can be an important means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from aviation and meeting climate change targets." It helps to ensure the environmental sustainability of aviation while also encouraging the development of sustainable technology and markets."

Six memorandums of Cooperation and Letters of Intent were signed during the event with Kazakh and international aviation market players. Representatives from S&P Global Commodity Insights' London office also gave a training event for industry experts on the process for computing Platts quotes and their application to aviation fuel.