Why the launch of Almaty-New York flights is delayed

Tengrinews.kz – The launch of direct flights from Almaty to New York is facing delays due to aircraft delivery issues, according to Saltanat Tompieva, head of the Civil Aviation Committee.
Katalin Radu, head of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, explained that technical reviews have already been conducted this year.

“For direct flights to the U.S., once the airline submits its application, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) will conduct an audit of Kazakhstan’s aviation regulator to ensure compliance with international standards. The process can only begin after this, and once Boeing 787 Dreamliners are delivered. The estimated delivery date for these aircraft is late 2025, with the FAA audit expected around the same time,” Radu stated.

Tompieva added that the aircraft supplier has been delaying delivery timelines.

“We’re preparing for the main FAA audit. The delivery of aircraft is scheduled for late 2025. Although a contract was signed long ago, the supplier frequently postpones delivery. Currently, three weekly flights to New York are planned,” Tompieva said.

Plans for direct flights between Kazakhstan and the U.S. have been under discussion for years. Last year, Air Astana President Peter Foster announced that the Almaty–New York route is expected to launch by 2025, initially with three flights per week, with potential to increase to five weekly flights in the future.