US conducts aviation safety assessment in Kazakhstan to enable direct flights

From Sept. 21 to 25, the U.S. is conducting an International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) in Kazakhstan. The assessment marks a crucial milestone in two years of talks on launching direct flights between the two countries.

U.S. inspectors will assess how aviation safety is overseen in Kazakhstan. The assessment will examine aviation legislation, pilot training and whether aircraft meet ICAO safety standards.

«The expert team includes specialists in international aviation law, aviation personnel licensing, airworthiness and flight operations,» Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport said.

Who will connect Kazakhstan with the U.S.?

In addition, U.S. specialists will make a technical visit to Air Astana on Sept. 24. The airline has applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation for authorization to operate commercially. The team will assess the transparency of the airline’s processes.

Once the inspection is complete, the U.S. side will hold a briefing and provide a written report on the assessment findings.

Completing this stage will bring the launch of direct flights between Kazakhstan and the U.S. one step closer.