The grant programme is expanding into the regions. From 2027, FlyArystan will join the Zhas Kyran programme and provide travel grants to talented children and teenagers across the airline’s route network, DKNews.kz reports.
FlyArystan, part of the Air Astana Group, announced the expansion of the programme. The initiative was launched in 2023, and 124 Kazakhstanis have benefited from it over the past three years.
FlyArystan will join the programme in 2027
Zhas Kyran is designed for young Kazakhstanis aged between 7 and 18 who need to travel to international competitions, contests and academic Olympiads.
Winners receive a free round-trip air ticket, excluding airport charges. The programme also covers one ticket for an accompanying adult, who may be a parent, guardian, coach or teacher.
Once FlyArystan joins the initiative, the programme’s geographical reach will expand through the low-cost carrier’s route network. The airline is based in Almaty, Astana and Aktau and operates domestic and international flights, as well as charter services.
This could make the programme more accessible to participants from Kazakhstan’s regions, particularly those who need to travel to a major transport hub before continuing to an international competition or event.
124 Kazakhstanis received travel grants in three years
Air Astana launched the Zhas Kyran programme in 2023. Over the following three years, 124 Kazakhstanis received travel grants.
Ibrahim Canliel, chief executive officer of the Air Astana Group, said the expansion comes as the number of participants grows and awareness of the programme increases.
“Over the three years since the programme was launched, we can be proud that we have contributed to the achievements of our participants. Zhas Kyran winners represent our country with pride and honour on the international stage, and their number is growing every year. The programme is delivering strong results, and more Kazakhstanis are learning about it. FlyArystan joining our programme will significantly strengthen the project’s synergy and increase its impact on future generations of Kazakhstan,” Canliel said.
Diplomas alone will not be enough to secure a grant
Applications are reviewed by an independent jury made up of educators, journalists and representatives of charitable foundations.
Candidates submit supporting documents, but one of the most important elements of the selection process is a motivational video on the topic: “Why should I receive this grant?”
Participation in an Olympiad, contest or competition therefore does not automatically guarantee support. Applicants must also explain to the jury why they should be selected for the grant.
Young people from the regions will gain more travel options
Johan Eidhagen, president and chief executive officer of FlyArystan, said the airline expects its domestic route network to help the programme reach more parts of Kazakhstan.
“We are pleased to join the successful Zhas Kyran programme and expand it by providing more opportunities for young people in Kazakhstan. It is particularly important to us that FlyArystan’s extensive domestic route network will allow the programme to reach more regions of the country and help talented young people from across Kazakhstan take part in important events and competitions both at home and abroad. We are glad to support their ambitions to develop, achieve new successes and represent Kazakhstan on the international stage,” Eidhagen said.
FlyArystan is a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Astana JSC. The airline received its own air operator certificate in April 2024 and operates flights using Airbus A320 aircraft.
After FlyArystan joins the initiative in 2027, the Zhas Kyran programme will effectively gain access to the low-cost carrier’s entire route network. For applicants, two key conditions will remain unchanged: they must be between 7 and 18 years old and successfully pass the competitive selection process.
