This article is based on an official press release from the Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Transport.

Kazakhstan Signs Strategic Agreement with Airbus for 50 A320neo Jets and Regional Training Hub

In a significant move to modernize its national aviation infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan has signed a strategic agreement with European aerospace giant Airbus. The deal, finalized during the Kazakhstan-France Business Council meeting in Paris on December 5-6, 2025, outlines the acquisition of up to 50 Airbus A320neo family aircraft and the establishment of a certified regional training center in Kazakhstan.

According to the Civil Aviation Committee (CAA) of Kazakhstan, the agreement was signed by Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastaev and Airbus Vice President for Euro-Asia Charbel Youzkatli. The signing occurred within the framework of the 16th Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, underscoring the deepening diplomatic and industrial ties between Astana and Paris.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) serves as a formal government-backed framework to support the fleet expansion of the Air Astana Group, which includes the national flag carrier Air Astana and the low-cost operator FlyArystan. Beyond the hardware, the agreement places a heavy emphasis on localizing aviation expertise through new training and maintenance facilities.

Details of the Aircraft Acquisition

The core of the agreement involves a substantial commitment to the Airbus A320neo family, a narrow-body aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and operational range. The Ministry of Transport has confirmed the structure of the deal includes both firm Orders and options.

Order Structure and Delivery Timeline

As outlined in the official announcement, the agreement covers a total potential of 50 aircraft:

• Firm Orders: 25 aircraft.
• Options: 25 additional aircraft.

Deliveries are currently scheduled to commence in 2031. However, the CAA noted that both parties are actively discussing mechanisms to accelerate this timeline. The 2031 slot likely reflects the current global backlog in aerospace manufacturing, prompting the Kazakh government to intervene diplomatically to secure earlier slots to meet pressing demand.

“The parties discussed the supply of A320neo aircraft… [and] the possibility of accelerating deliveries.”

, Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan

This procurement aligns with the Air Astana Group’s broader Strategy to expand its fleet to 80 units by 2028, with continued growth projected into the next decade.

Industrial Cooperation: Training and Maintenance

A pivotal component of this agreement is the shift from a purely transactional relationship to a strategic industrial partnership. The Ministry of Transport emphasized that the deal includes the creation of a “certified regional Training center” within Kazakhstan.

Localization of Expertise

The proposed training center aims to prepare pilots and technical personnel domestically, reducing the country’s reliance on foreign training facilities. By establishing this infrastructure, Kazakhstan intends to position itself as a regional aviation hub for Central Asia, offering certified training standards that meet European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements.

MRO and Leasing

In addition to training, the talks in Paris covered the establishment of a maintenance and repair organization (MRO) base in Kazakhstan. This builds upon discussions initiated in July 2025 regarding a service center capable of handling both civil and state aviation needs. The parties also explored efficient leasing mechanisms to finance the incoming fleet, ensuring the financial sustainability of the expansion.

Route Expansion and Connectivity

The diplomatic meetings in Paris also yielded agreements on expanding air connectivity between Kazakhstan and France. Officials discussed the resumption of direct flights between the capitals, Astana and Paris. Furthermore, a new route connecting Shymkent, Kazakhstan’s third-largest city, to Nice, France, is under consideration.

These route expansions are supported by the recent resolution of technical issues. The CAA confirmed that as of December 1, 2025, all A320 family aircraft in Kazakhstan affected by a November EASA directive regarding elevator control unit software had been successfully updated and returned to service.

AirPro News Analysis

Supply Chain Realities vs. Ambition: The 2031 delivery start date highlights the severe constraints currently facing the global aerospace supply chain. While the order for 50 jets is robust, the six-year lead time suggests that Air Astana may need to rely on the leasing market or lease extensions to bridge the gap between its 2028 growth targets and the arrival of these factory-fresh units.

Strategic Autonomy: The establishment of a domestic training center is arguably as significant as the aircraft order itself. Currently, many Central Asian carriers must send crews to Europe or the Middle East for simulator training. By localizing this capability, Kazakhstan not only retains capital within its economy but also strengthens its soft power in the region by potentially offering training services to neighboring nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new Airbus aircraft arrive in Kazakhstan?
Official deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2031, though the government is negotiating to accelerate this timeline.

What specific aircraft were ordered?
The agreement covers the Airbus A320neo family. While the specific breakdown between A320neo and A321neo variants was not detailed in the initial release, Air Astana currently operates both types.

Does this agreement affect FlyArystan?
Yes. As part of the Air Astana Group, the low-cost carrier FlyArystan utilizes an all-Airbus A320 fleet and will likely be a beneficiary of the fleet modernization program.

Sources

• Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan
• Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan

This article is based on an official press release from Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company and supplementary industry research.

Vietjet Secures 22 New Aircraft in Historic Year-End Fleet Expansion

Vietjet has officially launched the most significant fleet expansion in its operating history, receiving a total of 22 new Commercial-Aircraft during the 2025 year-end festive season. According to the airline’s latest announcement, this strategic influx of capacity is designed to meet surging travel demand for Christmas and the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, while simultaneously supporting a broader international network growth strategy.

The delivery of these aircraft comes at a critical time for the global aviation industry, which continues to grapple with severe supply chain disruptions and delivery delays from major Manufacturers. By securing 22 aircraft in a condensed timeframe, Vietjet aims to bolster its operational resilience and capture market share during the peak holiday travel window.

Breakdown of the Fleet Expansion

The 22-aircraft addition comprises a mix of direct manufacturer deliveries and strategic wet leases, diversified across Airbus, Boeing, and COMAC models. This diversification allows the airline to serve high-density trunk routes, international connections, and niche island destinations effectively.

Airbus A321neo ACF: The Core Growth

A significant portion of the expansion involves seven new Airbus A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex) aircraft. These units are intended to serve as the backbone of Vietjet’s Vietnam-based operations. On December 4, 2025, the Airlines welcomed the latest of these jets, registered as VN-A580, at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

According to Vietjet, the A321neo ACF configuration offers up to 240 seats and provides substantial environmental benefits, including at least 16% fuel savings, up to 75% noise reduction, and 50% fewer emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.

Boeing 737-8 (MAX) for Vietjet Thailand

In a major milestone for its subsidiary operations, Vietjet has integrated nine Boeing 737-8 aircraft into the Vietjet Thailand fleet. The first of these, registered HS-VZA, arrived in Bangkok on November 23, 2025. This delivery marks the commencement of Vietjet’s historic order for 200 Boeing aircraft.

These aircraft are initially slated for the Bangkok–Chiang Mai route, with plans to expand into international service connecting Bangkok to Cam Ranh, Vietnam, later in December 2025.

Strategic Wet Leases and Niche Operations

To address immediate peak season capacity needs, the airline has also secured four wet-leased aircraft, likely Airbus A320s based on historical partnership patterns with providers such as Freebird Airlines. These “wet leases” include aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, allowing for immediate deployment.

Additionally, industry reports indicate the inclusion of two COMAC C909 (formerly ARJ21) aircraft, wet-leased from Chengdu Airlines. These specialized regional jets are deployed specifically for routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, an island destination with runway limitations that restrict larger jet operations.

Operational Strategy and Market Impact

Vietjet’s ability to secure such a large volume of aircraft amidst a global shortage is a focal point of their current operational narrative. The airline emphasizes that this move is not merely about holiday capacity but about long-term positioning in the Asian market.

“In a global context of aircraft shortages and disrupted supply chains… Vietjet’s ability to receive 22 modern aircraft in less than one month strongly affirms its reputation, strong financial capacity, and standing in the international market.”

, Vietjet Press Statement, December 5, 2025

AirPro News Analysis

From our perspective at AirPro News, this expansion highlights a divergence between Vietjet and many of its regional competitors who are currently scaling back due to engine recalls and delivery delays. By leveraging a mixed fleet strategy, utilizing both Airbus and Boeing, alongside wet leases, Vietjet is effectively hedging against single-source supply chain risks.

Financially, the market appears to be responding positively to this aggressive growth. Market data indicates that Vietjet Aviation JSC (VJC) stock is trading strongly, hovering around 207,500 VND as of early December 2025. With reported revenues of approximately $2 billion USD in the first nine months of 2024, the carrier has the capital required to sustain these leases and acquisitions. The move to secure capacity now positions them to maximize yields during the Tet 2026 period, where demand typically outstrips supply.

Route Expansion and Holiday Readiness

The new fleet will immediately support the airline’s Lunar New Year schedule. Vietjet has opened sales for approximately 2.5 million tickets for the Tet 2026 travel period (January–February). The additional capacity will allow for increased frequencies on key domestic trunk routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Da Nang, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa.

Internationally, the expansion supports new routes targeting North Asia and Oceania. Beyond the new Bangkok–Cam Ranh service, the airline is progressing with plans for routes to Japan, South Korea, and a long-haul connection between Ho Chi Minh City and Auckland, New Zealand, utilizing its wide-body A330 fleet.

Sources

• Vietjet Air Official Press Release

International travelers flying out of Thailand’s major hubs will soon face significantly higher costs. According to reporting by the Bangkok Post, Airports of Thailand (AoT) is set to increase the Passenger Service Charge (PSC), commonly known as the airport tax, by 53% for international departures. The new rate is expected to take effect in early 2026.

The increase will raise the fee from its current level of 730 Baht to 1,120 Baht (approximately $33 USD). This adjustment applies specifically to the six major international airports managed by AoT, including the country’s primary gateway, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). While the hike is substantial for international travelers, fees for domestic flights at these same hubs will remain unchanged at 130 Baht.

Breakdown of the New Fees

The Bangkok Post reports that the new pricing structure is designed to bolster revenue for infrastructure projects without relying on state budgets. The increase of 390 Baht represents a sharp rise in the cost of exiting the country via its busiest terminals.

Affected Airports

Based on the details provided in the report, the 1,120 Baht rate will apply to international departures from the following six AoT-operated airports:

• Suvarnabhumi (BKK)
• Don Mueang (DMK)
• Phuket (HKT)
• Chiang Mai (CNX)
• Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai (CEI)
• Hat Yai (HDY)

It is important to distinguish this major hike from a separate, smaller adjustment occurring at regional airports. According to market research data, airports operated by the Department of Airports (DOA), such as Krabi and Surat Thani, are seeing a minor increase from 400 Baht to 425 Baht. However, the headline-grabbing 53% jump is exclusive to the major AoT hubs.

Timeline for Implementation

While initial headlines suggested the change could happen “early next year,” the regulatory timeline points toward the first quarter of 2026. As noted in industry analysis, a four-month notice period is typically required following ministerial approval. Consequently, travelers booking flights for late 2025 may avoid the fee, but those traveling from April 2026 onward will likely see the charge reflected in their ticket prices.

Rationale: Funding the South Terminal

The primary driver behind this aggressive pricing strategy is the need for capital to fund massive expansion projects. AoT has stated that the additional revenue, projected to be around 10 billion Baht annually, will be directed toward the construction of the new South Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Additionally, the funds are earmarked for upgrading safety systems and modernizing passenger facilities, such as automated check-in kiosks. By increasing the PSC, AoT aims to maintain financial independence, self-financing these upgrades rather than drawing from government coffers.

“AoT aims to self-finance these investments rather than relying on government budgets.”

, Summary of AoT strategy via Industry Research

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Market Reaction and Regional Context

The announcement has triggered mixed reactions across the aviation and financial sectors. Investors have responded positively to the news; AoT’s share price reportedly surged 11% following the announcement, as analysts view the fee hike as a reliable mechanism to offset costs associated with recent duty-free concession adjustments.

However, the tourism and airline sectors have expressed caution. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has previously warned that increasing aviation fees can dampen demand, particularly among price-sensitive travelers. This concern is amplified by the potential reintroduction of a 300 Baht “tourism tax,” which, if combined with the new airport tax, could add roughly $42 USD in government fees to a standard round-trip ticket.

AirPro News Analysis: Regional Price Competitiveness

At AirPro News, we analyzed how this new rate positions Thailand against its regional competitors. With a new rate of 1,120 Baht (approx. $33), Thailand is moving from a mid-tier price point to one of the more expensive hubs in Southeast Asia.

Based on current 2025/2026 estimates, the new Thai rate compares as follows:

• Singapore (Changi): ~1,650 THB (Thailand remains cheaper)
• Hong Kong: ~900 THB (Thailand becomes ~24% more expensive)
• Vietnam (Hanoi/HCMC): ~860 THB (Thailand becomes ~30% more expensive)
• Malaysia (KLIA1): ~560 THB (Thailand becomes ~100% more expensive)

While Thailand remains more affordable than premium hubs like Singapore Changi, it risks losing its competitive edge against lower-cost neighbors like Vietnam and Malaysia. For budget travelers, a $33 exit tax, embedded invisibly in the ticket price, may not be immediately obvious, but it contributes to the overall perception of rising travel costs in the Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to pay this fee at the airport counter?
No. The Passenger Service Charge (PSC) is almost always included in the price of your airline ticket. You will see the total fare increase, but you will not typically need to pay cash at the airport.

Does this affect domestic flights?
No. The tax for domestic flights at AoT airports remains at 130 Baht.

When does the new rate start?
The new rate of 1,120 Baht is expected to take effect in early 2026, likely within the first quarter, following the mandatory notice period.

Sources

• Bangkok Post