Kazakhstan to set up all-cargo airline

© Richair

Kazakhstan, a country with its eye firmly on the logistics sector, is to set up an all-cargo carrier before the end of the year.

National carrier Air Astana, (where Lesley Cripps, formerly of Saudia Cargo, recently took on the top job as director cargo sales), is planning a joint venture with rail operator KTZ to set up the new airline. It is expected to offer rail-air services on the OBOR, Asia-Europe lanes, according to CargoForwarder.

KTZ and Air Astana, 49% owned by BAE Systems, are preparing for IPOs next year as Kazakhstan looks to sell off stakes in major infrastructure companies.