Air Astana, China Southern Airlines form joint venture to strengthen connectivity

Air Astana and China Southern Airlines have signed a joint venture (JV) agreement to expand air connectivity between Kazakhstan and China, marking the first airline JV between the two countries.

Building on their existing codeshare partnership, the airlines will coordinate flight schedules, expand codeshare services and undertake joint marketing activities.

The agreement aims to improve connections between the two airlines’ networks, facilitate transfers and provide passengers with more travel options across Kazakhstan, China and onward destinations.

Air Astana currently operates flights from Astana and Almaty to Urumqi, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, offering up to 36 weekly return flights during peak season.

China Southern Airlines operates services from Urumqi, Beijing, Guangzhou and Xi’an to Almaty and Astana, with up to 29 weekly return flights during peak season.

According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, scheduled flights between the two countries have increased by 52 per cent compared with the same period in 2025, reaching 117 weekly flights across 21 routes. More than one million passengers have travelled between the two countries since the beginning of 2026.

The ministry also plans to expand the air network between Kazakhstan and China to 30 destinations.

The JV is expected to support business, tourism, education and family travel while improving onward connectivity through both countries.

Richard Ledger, vice president, partnerships and alliances at Air Astana, said: “Our joint venture with China Southern Airlines represents an important step in developing this role and deepening our commercial relationship with one of China’s leading carriers.”

China Southern Airlines executive vice president Zeng Yongchao added: “For passengers, the most tangible benefit is greater convenience: more flight options, smoother transfer procedures, and a more seamless travel experience.”