Recent developments in Central Asia highlight a surge in aviation finance activities, driven by geopolitical shifts and increasing passenger traffic. A roundtable at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) revealed that the regional aircraft fleet is expected to double by 2030, with global forecasts predicting nearly double the number of aircraft by 2044.
Leasing has become the primary fleet management method worldwide, with 45% of aircraft owned by lessors, and Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a potential regional hub for aviation finance. Experts from the industry and legal sector discussed the AIFC's initiatives, including the Aviation Finance Hub, designed to attract international operators and strengthen regional cooperation.
Key figures such as Zhanbolat Kakishev and Peter Foster emphasized Kazakhstan's growing role in regional aviation, citing its strategic location, infrastructure expansion, and leasing dominance—where 55% to 80% of fleet is leased. Legal considerations, including Kazakhstan's participation in the Cape Town Convention and favorable legal framework, bolster its attractiveness as a leasing center.
Experts concluded that, despite competition from established centers like Ireland and the United States, Kazakhstan's legal environment, tax treaties, and safety standards position it as an emerging player in aviation finance, capable of developing a comprehensive ecosystem for industry growth.
