Air Astana, China Southern Launch First Kazakhstan-China Airline Joint Venture (kalkinemedia.com)

Air Astana and China Southern Airlines signed a joint venture agreement on 30 October 2026, establishing the first airline partnership between Kazakhstan and China. The deal coordinates schedules and expands codeshare routes across networks offering up to 36 weekly flights from Air Astana and 29 from China Southern at peak season. Bilateral air traffic has surged 52% year-on-year, with Kazakhstan targeting expansion to 30 Chinese destinations.