Aulie-Ata int’l airport in Taraz expanding its capabilities (PHOTO)

"Aulie-Ata" international airport will become a modern air harbor with extensive technical capabilities and high level of service. The airport was founded in 2008. The international airport "Aulie-Ata" is located 15 km from Taraz (Aulie-Ata is the former name of Taraz town used in late XIX - early XX centuries). The number of staff working here is 150 people. SCAT airlines directorate, which is a shareholder of JSC "Aulie-Ata international airport", explained that Boeing Aircraft Company handling has been made possible thanks to the reconstruction of the runway and the acquisition of new airport equipment. In 2013, shareholders decided to transfer the runway of "Aulie-Ata" international airport to the state ownership of the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The Ministry started the facility's reconstruction and expansion. At the moment the runway with the length of 3.5 thousand meters and width of 60 meters, may serve all types of modern aircraft including heavy aircraft such as Boeing, Airbus, as well as helicopters of different types. A new system of runway lighting complying with ICAO Category II has been installed. According to the Akimat of Zhambyl region, the works were financed from the state budget. "Under the new economic policy of the state-of-the-nation address Nurly Zhol - The path to the future, the development of modern rail, road and air links between the regions of the country is of high importance. No doubt, the reconstruction of the airport infrastructure contributes to the enhancement of our region, boosts tourist flow, expands foreign trade activities, increases the number of new jobs," said Rakhmankul Bayteliev, head of construction, passenger transport and automobile roads department. The airport complex, which construction began in 2012, should be put into operation in the III quarter of this year. SCAT airlines invested 1.8 billion tenge for the reconstruction of the passenger terminal. It is planned to open direct passenger flights from Taraz to Moscow, Aktau, and Atyrau. Summer tourist charter programs to Antalya and Dubai will be launched as well.