ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of National Economy projects the nation’s real GDP will reach 3.8 percent this year, which is 0.7 percent higher than the previous projected indicator voiced in August 2017. The ministry also projects per capita GDP will rise to $9,200, Economy Minister Timur Suleimenov told an April 3 government meeting.Minister of National Economy Timur Suleimenov.

“Nominal GDP in 2017 is estimated at 52.4 trillion tenge (US$163.49 billion). Real growth made 4 percent. Economic growth in January-February of this year also reached 4 percent,” said Suleimenov.

“Taking into account the refined database for 2017, the nominal GDP is expected to reach 57.2 trillion tenge (US$178.46 billion) this year. This is 1.3 trillion tenge (US$4 billion) higher than what was approved in August (last year). Real GDP growth is estimated at 3.8 percent. GDP per capita will grow to $9,200,” he reported.

The projected oil price for 2018 is up from $45 to $55 per barrel, he added.

The Kazakh Ministry of Energy anticipates the nation’s oil production to reach 87 million tonnes. Last year, the oil-rich nation produced a record high 86.2 million tonnes of oil, which allowed it to mark a 4 percent economic growth.

“The revenues in 2018 are estimated at 5.7 trillion tenge (US$17.78 billion), which is 190 billion tenge (US$592.8 million) higher than what the previously approved plan envisioned. The payments into the National Fund will grow 546 billion tenge (US$1.7 billion) and make 2.6 trillion tenge (US$8.11 billion) in total,” said Suleimenov.

Boeing supplies first 737 MAX aircraft to SCAT

Astana Times, 3 April 2018

ASTANA – Boeing delivered the first 737 MAX 8 to SCAT, one of six such aircraft the airline is acquiring under its fleet and route network expansion plan. With the new planes, the airline will be able to achieve double-digit improvement in its fuel efficiency and environmental performance. In addition, SCAT will be the first airline in the Central Asian region to operate the MAX series aircraft.

Photo credit: tengrinews.kz

“Last year, SCAT celebrated its 20th anniversary, and for us the fact that we enter adulthood with the purchase of the latest aircraft models is very important. We are sure that the acquisition of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 will not only raise the level of service in the company, but will also give a new impetus to the development of the aviation industry of Kazakhstan,” said SCAT Airline President Vladimir Denisov, Tengrinews reports.

“Today is a new milestone in our long-term partnership with SCAT airline. We are proud of our contribution to its growth and look forward to the 737 MAX allowing the airline to reach new heights,” said Vice President of Sales in the Middle East, Turkey, Russia, the Central Asia region and Africa Marty Bentrott.

SCAT has been flying Boeing planes for a long time now, and the purchase of the next generation 737 was the result of this long-term cooperation. The company announced its order of six 737 MAX 8 aircraft at the Dubai Air Show in 2017. The agreement, worth $674 million according to Boeing catalogue prices, includes the right to purchase five additional 737 MAX 8s.

Photo credit: tengrinews.kz

During the official visit of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to the US in January 2018, the airline confirmed the purchase order.

The 737 MAX family of planes will help SCAT by reducing passenger costs and increasing flight ranges. The aircraft will allow SCAT open new directions in the narrow-body segment of the market and provide passengers with competitive prices for flights. The 737 MAX airplanes are equipped with the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Wing tips, Boeing Sky Interiors, increased displays in the cockpit, and other improvements that aim at ensuring efficiency, dependability and maximum passenger comfort. The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling aircraft in the history of Boeing, having received more than 4,300 orders from 95 customers worldwide.

As of today, SCAT operates 44 domestic and 25 international routes. With the MAX aircraft, the company is ready to significantly expand its route network and reach new cities and countries.

SCAT Airlines receives IOSA security certificate Astana Times, 6 April 2018

ASTANA – SCAT Airlines has become a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the company’s press service announced March 24.

The association represents the interests of the air transport industry in such areas as flight safety, flight operations, tariff policy, maintenance, aviation security and the development of international standards in conjunction with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

“Safety is the number one priority for IATA. The main safety management tool is the IATA Operational Safety Audit programme (IOSA). The IOSA was introduced in a number of countries, including Kazakhstan, as a state safety requirement,” reads the report.

To date, two airlines operating in Kazakhstan have confirmed the IOSA, including SCAT Airlines.

“Two years ago, the company passed an audit in which more than 1,000 elements of operational activity were examined according to international standards. Thus, the company was awarded the IOSA security certificate. On this basis, the airline is able to fly to Europe,” IATA representative Jordan Karamalakov said.

He noted the availability of this certificate opens wide prospects for the airline. According to him, another air carrier holding the IOSA certificate in Kazakhstan is Air Astana.

“From now on, the airline has great prospects in the field of cooperation with other carriers on a global scale, for example, in signing agreements on the exchange of passengers. This will raise the reputation of the airline. Now, 92 percent of passengers in Kazakhstan will fly by airline flights that have an IOSA security certificate. This is an achievement of Kazakhstan in the field of civil aviation,” he noted.