Kazakhstan and China have taken a bold step toward enhancing bilateral relations by launching a strategic aviation partnership between Air Astana and China Southern Airlines. This new codeshare agreement is expected to accelerate tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the two growing economies, while aligning with broader Belt and Road Initiative goals.
A Milestone in Central Asia–China Aviation
The partnership brings together Kazakhstan’s national carrier, Air Astana, and China’s largest airline by fleet size, China Southern Airlines, in a trailblazing alliance. Under the codeshare agreement, passengers can enjoy seamless travel between major cities in both countries.
Air Astana now operates direct flights from Almaty to Beijing Capital, Urumqi, and Guangzhou, as well as from Astana (Nur-Sultan) to Beijing. In return, China Southern Airlines has added codeshare flights on routes including Beijing Daxing–Almaty, Guangzhou–Almaty, Urumqi–Almaty, and Xi’an–Almaty. The Chinese carrier also now serves Astana from Guangzhou and Urumqi under the codeshare.
These enhanced connections mean that travelers from both countries—and international tourists transiting through them—will benefit from improved scheduling, greater flexibility, and access to loyalty programs, while reducing transfer times and layovers.
Boosting Kazakhstan’s Position as a Tourism Hub
This aviation partnership is a key move in positioning Kazakhstan as a central tourism hub in Central Asia. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, international tourist arrivals reached 834,000 in 2023, with China emerging as a top growth market post-COVID.
With increased flight frequency and broader connectivity, the tourism sector is expected to gain a significant boost, particularly in Almaty, Astana, and Kazakhstan’s UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Tamgaly Petroglyphs and the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s visa-free regime for Chinese tourists for stays of up to 30 days makes it a more accessible destination.
China’s Strategic Push into Central Asia
China Southern Airlines, a SkyTeam alliance member, operates the most expansive network in Central Asia among Chinese carriers. It connects China to seven destinations across five Central Asian countries, playing a crucial role in China’s foreign policy and economic connectivity efforts under the Belt and Road Initiative.
By partnering with Air Astana, China Southern strengthens its foothold in Central Asia, offering more efficient gateways for Chinese tourists to explore the region. In 2024 alone, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) projected a 28% increase in outbound travelers to Central Asia—this codeshare responds to that demand.
Air Astana: A Regional Powerhouse
Air Astana, Central Asia’s leading airline group, operates a mixed fleet of 61 aircraft through its flagship brand and its low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan. Since its launch in 2002, the airline has grown into a key player in the region, connecting Central Asia with Europe, the Gulf, South Asia, and East Asia.
Awarded “Best Airline in Central Asia & CIS” by Skytrax for 14 consecutive years and earning a 5-star APEX rating, Air Astana is recognized for service quality and safety. The codeshare partnership is another step in its strategic vision to establish Kazakhstan as a top-tier international transit hub.
Cultural Exchange and Economic Synergy
Beyond tourism, this agreement has far-reaching implications for cultural diplomacy and trade. China is Kazakhstan’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 41 billion in 2023 according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration. Direct air routes streamline the movement of business delegations, students, and cultural exchange programs, fostering deeper ties.
In recent years, educational tourism has also surged, with Kazakh students enrolling in Chinese universities and Chinese students participating in exchange programs in Kazakhstan. The codeshare agreement facilitates these exchanges, simplifying travel for academic and cultural participants.
Geo-tagging and Destination Highlights:
- Kazakhstan: Almaty, Astana, Tamgaly Petroglyphs, Charyn Canyon, Turkistan
- China: Beijing, Guangzhou, Urumqi, Xi’an
These destinations are key tourism and commercial centers, offering a rich tapestry of history, innovation, and culture for travelers on both sides.
Belt and Road Synergy
The codeshare is emblematic of broader transportation and infrastructure goals under the China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Kazakhstan, positioned at the heart of the BRI’s overland corridors, is already central to Chinese logistics, railway, and energy projects. This aviation cooperation serves as an aerial extension of that vision, ensuring not just movement of goods—but of people, ideas, and experiences.
Conclusion: A New Era of Regional Tourism
This Air Astana–China Southern Airlines partnership signifies a shift in regional travel, offering a more dynamic, connected, and tourist-friendly corridor between two of Asia’s fastest-developing nations. With infrastructure support, visa liberalization, and strong tourism campaigns underway from both governments, travelers can look forward to easier, richer, and more immersive journeys in 2025 and beyond.
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