Global aviation is changing fast. New challenges, green technologies, rising passenger demand and massive infrastructure projects are reshaping the skies. All these topics came into sharp focus at the 80th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), held this year in New Delhi – one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation hubs.
Amid this dynamic and dialogue-rich environment, DKnews.kz sat down with a key figure standing at the crossroads of global and regional aviation policy – Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe. His career spans decades in airlines and logistics, as well as deep collaboration with governments and aviation authorities around the world.
We spoke not only about global trends but also about Kazakhstan – a country whose aviation industry is rapidly gaining altitude.
– What stood out to you most from this year’s AGM – globally and regionally in particular for Central Asia?
– The standout memory from this year’s AGM was simply that we were in India, which is on the verge of a tremendous aviation expansion. The ambitious plans of Air India and Indigo will place Indian aviation connectivity in step with the growth of its economy. And it was clear from the fact that Prime Minister Modi took the time to address us, that the government shares this vision. For Central Asia, it is a region with similar growth potential – but like India, it will benefit from governments that understand the economic importance of aviation, and help the industry to grow.
– Kazakhstan’s airlines carried 14.7 million passengers in 2024, an increase of over 10%. How do you regard these numbers?
– At growth of over 10% per year, Kazakhstan is growing roughly twice as fast as the global average expected for developing regions over the next 20 years. If this growth trajectory can be maintained it will put Kazakhstan in a leadership position in Central Asia.
©️Turar Kazangapov/Tengrinews
– Air Astana continues to be a leading airline in the region. How do you assess its role?
– Air Astana is the leading airline in Kazakhstan and Central Asia and one of only two Kazakh carriers permitted to fly to the EU. As such it is a leader in applying global safety standards in the region, and will be instrumental in connecting Kazakhstan and the wider region to the world.
©️Air Astana
– Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) dominated the discussion here. Do you think this is a perspective direction for the industry? And does Kazakhstan fit into this shift?
– We have known for some time that SAF is the key tool for us to decarbonize aviation. Since we set our net-zero CO2 2050 target in 2021, the role of SAF has become even clearer – it will be responsible for at least 65% of the total carbon reductions needed, a total of around 450 billion litres of SAF. Present production is around 2.5 billion liters, so there is clearly a very long way to go. This presents a challenge but also an excellent opportunity for states that see the advantages of building a national SAF industry which also has export potential. Kazakhstan has great potential in terms of feedstock for SAF so we would urge the government to set out a SAF strategy with a framework for inviting investment into this exciting energy sector. Key to this will be the production of SAF that meets Jet A-1 standards so that it will be eligible for use in key export markets such as the EU.
IATA
– Almaty just announced in New Delhi a $362 million investment deal to overhaul its airport. What do you think about this project?
– We welcome investments in airport infrastructure that are efficient and proportionate to the needs of the market. Almaty recently opened a new terminal and it is important that the airport keep pace with expected passenger growth.
TAV Airports
– As a conclusion of this year’s AGM, what would be your message to Kazakhstan’s aviation industry and passengers?
– Global standards are the key to unlocking growth and connectivity. Kazakh airlines should apply global standards, especially in safety, wherever possible. The government must invest in strong regulatory capacity to keep up with expected growth, and it needs to provide the means for airlines to invest in new fleet, and for airports and air navigation services to modernize efficiently. If that happens, I am sure travelers to and from Kazakhstan will gain a greater range of destination options, and ever-higher quality of service.
Kazakhstan is emerging as one of the most promising aviation markets in Central Asia. Consistent passenger growth, international safety standards, ambitious infrastructure projects and favorable geography all contribute to its upward trajectory.
freepik/shutterstock
The key now is to maintain momentum, align with global frameworks, and attract strategic investment. As Rafael Schvartzman rightly points out, progress in aviation depends on vision – and above all, on coordination between government and industry.
