Kazakhstan to Become First Central Asian Country to Launch Air Taxi Service

ASTANA, Jul 24:  Kazakhstan is preparing to become the first country in Central Asia to introduce electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as part of its future transportation network.

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

The event was organized by Kazakhstan’s Alatau Advanced Air Group (AAAG) in cooperation with AutoFlight, showcasing the next-generation aircraft designed for urban air mobility.

The Prosperity eVTOL can carry one pilot and five passengers, reach speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, and travel approximately 200 kilometers on a single charge, according to the developers.

The planned air taxi service will initially operate in Alatau, a new city being developed as part of Kazakhstan’s digital and smart city vision.

AAAG Director of Investor Relations Daniyar Uteulin said air taxi technology remains at an early stage globally, with only a limited number of countries currently developing such systems.

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

He said the project would form a key part of Alatau’s smart transportation system, helping attract international investment and positioning the city as a hub for advanced technologies.

Countries including the United States, China, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and several European nations are also working on eVTOL and urban air mobility projects.

Uteulin said the air taxi service is expected to begin as a commercial operation, with fares likely to decrease over time as the fleet expands, more vertiports are built and flight frequency increases.

The long-term objective is to bring prices closer to premium taxi services on the ground, making the technology more accessible.

The project will rely on existing helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft pilots, who will receive specialized training from aircraft manufacturers rather than requiring completely new pilot programs.

The first commercial flights are expected to begin in late 2028 or early 2029, connecting Alatau, Almaty and tourist destinations in the Almaty region before expanding to other parts of Kazakhstan.

Earlier this year, Kazakhstan introduced new legislation recognizing eVTOL aircraft, vertiports and unmanned air traffic management systems, creating a legal framework for future air taxi operations.

The move places Kazakhstan among the emerging global markets seeking to transform urban transportation through electric aviation technology.