As part of the instruction of the Head of State, Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, to modernize the personnel training system and develop cooperation with international scientific and educational centers, the Kazakh delegation led by Vice Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan Talgat Lastayev held a working meeting with Olivier Chansou, Director of the French National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC), and his deputy Nicolas Calasis.

During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation with the leading European center for aviation specialists in relation to the establishment of a regional aviation training center of European standards in Astana, which would become a hub of advanced educational standards in civil aviation for the region. The presence of such a training center in the country will help reduce the industry’s dependence on foreign training institutions and ensure the preparation of qualified specialists within Kazakhstan. This cooperation will also focus on systematic training of domestic aviation personnel and facilitate the exchange of experience, knowledge, and international best practices.

Kazakhstan’s civil aviation sector is demonstrating stable growth: passenger traffic increases annually, the route network expands, infrastructure is being modernized, and the aircraft fleet continues to grow. To sustain these processes, the country requires a steady influx of qualified professionals.

The annual demand of the domestic aviation industry is around 500–600 specialists—pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, ground service personnel, and other key roles.

However, the aviation training centers currently operating in Kazakhstan do not meet the advanced European standards set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It should be noted that the National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC) is the only educational institution that complies with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Airports Council International (ACI).

The initiative aims to eliminate and prevent shortages of highly qualified personnel in Kazakhstan’s civil aviation sector, which will contribute to enhancing flight safety, improving the efficiency of state oversight, and developing the country’s aviation infrastructure.

As part of the visit, ENAC’s leadership conducted an introductory tour of key facilities of the institution.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue cooperation on this matter.

Reference: The National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC) was founded in 1946 in Toulouse. Today, ENAC cooperates with more than 117 countries around the world, offering over 350 training and professional development programs.