Kazakhstan moves to launch Central Asia’s first air taxi service

Kazakhstan is set to become the first country in Central Asia to introduce electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis into its transport system.

The country unveiled the Prosperity eVTOL aircraft, developed by Chinese manufacturer AutoFlight, during a demonstration flight at the Kazanat Hippodrome in Astana. 

The event was organised by Kazakhstan’s Alatau Advanced Air Group (AAAG) in cooperation with AutoFlight.

The aircraft can carry one pilot and five passengers, reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres (124 miles) per hour and travel around 200 kilometres on a single charge.

The air taxi service is expected to launch in Alatau, a new city being developed under Kazakhstan’s digital city concept.

Central Asia’s first air taxi market

AAAG Director of Investor Relations Daniyar Uteulin said air taxi technology remains at an early stage globally and has so far been adopted by only a limited number of countries.

Referring to similar projects in the United States, China, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and several European countries, Uteulin said Kazakhstan aims to become a regional pioneer.

"Kazakhstan is among the first 10 countries in the world developing and implementing this technology. In Central Asia, we will be the first," he said.

He added that the project would form a key part of Alatau’s smart transport system and could help attract international investment to the new city.

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Commercial flights expected from 2028

Uteulin said initial air taxi operations would focus on commercial services, with costs expected to decrease as the fleet expands, more vertiports are built and flight frequency increases.

The long-term goal is to bring fares closer to premium ground taxi prices, he said.

The project will rely on existing helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft pilots, with manufacturers providing initial training.

The first commercial flights are planned for late 2028 or early 2029, connecting Alatau with Almaty and tourist destinations in the Almaty region before expanding nationwide.

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Kazakhstan Air taxis Alatau Astana Smart city Central Asia