By order of the Head of State, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov took part in the opening of Korkyt Ata airport's new terminal in Kyzylorda, DKnews.kz reports
The project, implemented within the framework of social responsibility of business, contributes to the development of trade and economic, tourism potential of the region and ensuring the availability of transport services that directly affect the quality of life of the population. The launch of the new terminal will increase the capacity of the air harbour 7 times from 300 thousand to 2 million passengers per year.
The renovated Korkyt Ata terminal meets the high standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
"The Head of State in his Address to the Nation called the development of the transport and logistics sector a strategic priority. The new terminal of Korkyt Ata airport is an important infrastructure project not only for the region, but also for the whole of Kazakhstan. Its implementation will open additional air routes, including international ones, increase transit potential, passenger and cargo traffic, which will have a positive impact on the development of domestic tourism, trade and the economy as a whole. The Government will fully support socially-oriented initiatives of business to build modern, high-quality transport and logistics infrastructure - this is a contribution to the future of our country," Olzhas Bektenov said and thanked all those who took part and in a short time provided the launch of the project.
Head of the Government familiarised himself with the process of passenger service of domestic and international flights. The terminal with the area of 7 500 m2 is equipped with advanced technologies in the form of telescopic ladders, automated baggage inspection system and others. 20.9 billion tenge was invested in the project by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation within the framework of social responsibility. Over 4.3 billion tenge was allocated from the local budget for engineering and communication infrastructure, construction of a motorway, landscaping and lighting of the airport territory.
Bayan Ajmoldayev, Chairman of the Board of Korkyt Ata Airport JSC, reported on the timeliness of the launch of the terminal taking into account the annually growing passenger traffic in the region. Thus, for 9 months of this year the airport served 265 thousand passengers, which is 20% more than in the same period last year. There are 26 domestic flights per week (17 to Astana and 9 to Almaty). In June this year, an international charter flight to Antalya (Turkey) was launched.
First Deputy Akim of Kyzylorda region Daniyar Zhanalanov reported on plans to open additional flights to Aktau and Atyrau, as well as the inclusion in the list of socially important flights such air routes as "Kyzylorda-Kokshetau", "Kyzylorda-Aktobe", "Kyzylorda-Karaganda".
Speaking on behalf of the public of the region, the chairman of the Veterans Council of Kyzylorda region Serik Duisenbayev noted the importance of improving the quality of services and comfortable conditions created in the renovated airport for all categories of passengers
"On the example of Kyzylorda region we see the positive results of measures of support of regions by the state. Today the cherished dream of our residents has come true - a new airport terminal has been opened. I would like to express my gratitude to the Head of State for the special attention given to the region, which contributes to growth in all areas," Serik Duisenbayev said.