Vietnam's Sovico Group in talks to manage Kyzylorda airportKazakhstan is negotiating with Vietnam's Sovico Group on potential management of an airport in Kyzylorda, Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev said Thursday.He emphasized that the discussions concern operational improvements rather than a sale of the strategic asset. "We're in talks with Vietnamese partners about potentially having them manage the airport temporarily to upgrade operations and service standards," Bakayev told reporters after a Senate session. "This isn't a sale. Kazakhstan doesn't divest strategic infrastructure. The discussion currently only involves Kyzylorda's regional airport."The announcement follows earlier remarks by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin, who noted Sovico, which recently acquired Kazakh airline Qazaq Air, is exploring airport acquisition or management options to establish a hub for its expanding operations."Sovico Group has already acquired one of our airlines and was here recently discussing either purchasing or managing an airport," Zhumangarin told reporters in Akorda. "An airline needs a home base. This is a large, fast-growing carrier with strong partnerships with international airlines, including a major contract with Boeing."In January 2025, Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna completed the sale of Qazaq Air to a consortium, part of Sovico Group's aviation division. The 1 billion investment deal requires Sovico to clear the carrier’s 38 billion tenge debt and deliver at least 20 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft within five years, with ambitions to eventually expand the fleet to 50 planes.Currently operating five Bombardier planes, Qazaq Air holds 7% of Kazakhstan’s aviation market. Sovico, a Vietnamese conglomerate with energy, finance and aviation interests, partners with local firm Kazasia Holdings on the venture. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX