Andrey Lobachev / Shutterstock.comAir Astana and China Southern Airlines have signed a joint venture agreement to strengthen air connectivity between Kazakhstan and China. It marks the first airline joint venture between the two countries and builds on their existing codeshare partnership.
The collaboration aims to streamline flight schedules, expand codeshare services and introduce joint marketing initiatives. These measures will improve travel convenience and give passengers more options.
The agreement is expected to simplify transfers and provide consistent travel conditions across both airlines. It will also improve access to destinations in Kazakhstan, China and beyond.
Talgat Lastaev, Deputy Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan, highlighted a 52% increase in flights between the two countries compared with the same period in 2025. He also outlined plans to expand the route network to 30 destinations.
Richard Ledger, VP of Partnerships and Alliances at Air Astana, emphasised China's strategic importance as a market. He also highlighted Kazakhstan's role as a gateway between Europe and Asia. He said the joint venture aims to offer passengers more choices and convenient connections while responding to travel demand.
Zeng Yongchao, EVP of China Southern Airlines, described the partnership as a strategic move under the Belt and Road framework. He said it would strengthen aviation connectivity and provide more flight options and a seamless travel experience.
The joint venture will support business, tourism, education and family travel between the two countries. It will also improve onward connections through Kazakhstan and China. Both airlines already operate extensive networks, providing a strong foundation for better connectivity and greater passenger choice.
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