Kazakhstan examines air safety to launch direct flights to the U.S.

Kazakhstan will participate in the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Program to obtain the special status necessary for direct air travel between Kazakhstan and the U.S.

«A preliminary assessment under the IASA is crucial for obtaining a Category 1 status from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which would allow Kazakhstani airlines with necessary aircraft to launch direct air flights between Kazakhstan and the U.S.,» the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK) said in a statement.

The two agencies have already reached an arrangement on the assessment, as the FAA wants to see whether Kazakhstan follows the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Under these arrangements, Kazakhstan and the U.S. can share information and request technical assistance. The move is expected to help expand the economic relations between the two countries.

Kazakhstan plans to launch direct flights to the U.S. next year. Representatives of several American airlines have already examined Astana and Almaty airports and concluded that they meet international standards.