The inspection team of Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan performed certification inspection of Turkestan aerodrome. The commission inspected aerodrome, operation support facilities, airport manning level, airport equipment, certification of engineering facilities and equipment, documentation of all services and equipment, including the aerodrome management, etc. 

The certification survey covered the following areas: performance qualification of the aerodrome, pavement, condition and marking surfaces, constraints and consider obstructions, ornithological flight support, power supply and equipment, lighting system, aviation fuel supply, emergency flight support, maintenance and maintenance of the airfield, aerodrome security, safety management system, ground handling of aircraft, passenger and baggage handling, de-icing of aircraft, aviation safety, as well as medical safety.

As soon as the certification inspection was completed, Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan issued aerodrome certificate. Thus, Turkestan airport is able to accept domestic and international flights, including cargo flights.

This is the result of joint work of the Civil Aviation Committee of MIID, Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, Akimat of Turkestan and Turkish company YDA during 9 months of preparatory work for commissioning.

Turkestan international airport is the first air Harbor in the modern history of Kazakhstan, which was designed, built and put into operation as ‘green field’ airport.

In addition, Peter Griffiths, Director General of Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, held a meeting dedicated to Strategic Development of Civil Aviation in Kazakhstan in Turkestan airport. The event was attended by representatives of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the first heads of airports in Kazakhstan. In his speech, Peter Griffiths noted that the strategy of the aviation authorities is to build capacity, manage operations, improve the industry and communicate with international organizations.

In the coming year, the aviation industry is planning to prepare for an ICAO audit and a subsequent FAA audit to obtain the CAT1  certificate in the second half of 2022. Peter Griffiths stressed that “Aviation Administration will continue to exercise proper control and oversight of flight safety, as well as take appropriate measures to develop the industry. We will develop a common approach for all airports and are ready to support them in achieving their goals, objectives and overcoming challenges.” The aviation authorities will also continue to work to minimize the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic and restore the industry.

During the meeting, participants discussed issues of current processes and strategic development. To date, the development of amendments and additions to the Kazakh legislation on the implementation of requirements for aerodromes/airports is being completed. The meeting participants also got acquainted with the operation and functionality of the passenger terminal of the Turkestan airport, examined the aerdrome site and special equipment that serves the airport and aircraft.

The airport is located about 20 km East of Turkestan. Airport code: ICAO-UAIT, IATA-HSA. The artificial runway is 3,300 m long and 45 m wide. The aerodrome has two taxiways, the apron has 7 parking lots for aircraft maintenance, as well as 1 parking lot for aircraft de-icing. Turkestan aerodrome is class B, ICAO code-4D, capable of taking in aircrafts from small to Boeing 757/767.

The first official flight by Fly Arystan is scheduled to be launched on December 1. The flights will be operated on a daily basis from Nur-Sultan and Almaty to Turkestan. Also, the airline Qazaq Air plans to base its aircrafts at Turkestan airport.