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On May 19, 2026, the first demonstration flight of an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) took place in Alatau City, a city in Kazakhstan designed from the outset as a Smart City. This event marks the beginning of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in the region.
The project, implemented by Alatau Advanced Air Group Ltd. (AAAG) and international partners from China, South Korea, Italy, and the USA, is estimated to have cost 300 million USD, with all phases from research to the demonstration flight fully funded by private investments. During the flight, the passenger aircraft AutoFlight Prosperity took off, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h.
In addition to air taxis, advanced delivery drones were also showcased. Notably, the models from Keeta Drone (China) and A2Z (USA) stand out. These drones are specifically designed for transporting goods in urban environments and could revolutionize the logistics industry. Keeta Drone offers solutions for fast and efficient package delivery, while A2Z focuses on integrating drone technologies into existing supply chains.
The digital navigation platform UATM, developed by the Korea Airports Corporation in collaboration with the Shenzhen Urban Transportation Planning Center, plays a crucial role in the efficient management of air traffic for these delivery drones. According to Morgan Stanley, the global market for Urban Air Mobility could reach a value of 1 to 1.5 trillion USD by 2040.
Sergey Khegay from AAAG explained the journey from the initial idea to the first eVTOL flight in Kazakhstan. He emphasized that the team first encountered the concept of Urban Air Mobility in South Korea in 2024 and subsequently began to systematically promote the idea in Kazakhstan. Within a short period, a company was registered in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), and a team of aviators, IT specialists, and international partners was assembled.
“Our goal is not only to import technology but to build a full-fledged industry: infrastructure, engineering expertise, and new jobs for Kazakh professionals,” Khegay explained. Alatau City is being designed from the ground up as a Smart City, allowing for the direct integration of air mobility into the city’s master plan. In the next two years, infrastructure is to be developed and prepared for a commercial launch by 2028.
Marat Sultangaziyev highlighted the significance of the project for the regional economy, emphasizing that it is being implemented with substantial private investment. Alisher Abdykadyrov, CEO of the Alatau City Authority, described the demonstration flight as a historic moment for urban development and a transition to a new model where innovation and digital transformation play a central role.
