Kazakhstan Advances Urban Air Mobility Research, Chinese and American Firms Selected for Collaboration
¬ Kazakhstan and France Explore New Pathways for Cooperation in Mining and Critical Raw Materials
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Kazinform News — Is upgrading the existing air traffic management system necessary to introduce air taxi services? In response to this public concern, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport has provided clarification.
In its reply to a query from Kazinform, the ministry stated that Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd. (AAAG), a private enterprise, is currently conducting a comprehensive survey of the urban air mobility market. The scope of the research includes management systems for aerial taxis as well as unmanned aerial systems.
Regarding specific technical approaches for the project, the ministry also disclosed the current progress in selection by Kazakhstan.
"According to information provided by AAAG, an international tender was previously conducted, attracting manufacturers with leading expertise in electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and China. After rigorous screening, two globally top-tier aircraft manufacturers have been selected as partners: AutoFlight from China and Joby Aviation from the United States," the ministry noted in its response.
Notably, in November last year, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, U.S.-based Joby Aero, and Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding to build an air taxi system in Almaty City.
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KAZINFORM News — According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, Kazakhstan and France are continuously deepening their cooperation in strategic raw materials.
Recently, the first meeting of the Joint Working Group on Strategic Raw Materials between Kazakhstan and France was held. The two sides held a video conference to conduct in-depth discussions on collaboration in areas such as geological exploration, deep processing of raw materials, and sustainable development of mining.
The meeting aims to implement consensus reached by the Kazakhstan-France intergovernmental committee in December 2025. The meeting was jointly chaired by Volerzas Albekov, Deputy Head of the Industrial Committee at the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, and Benjamin Gallero, interdepartmental representative for mineral resources and strategic metal supply from France.
The parties focused on topics including geological mapping, data sharing, laboratory research, development and utilization of mineral resources, and modern mining technology R&D. During the session, both sides also emphasized communication on securing supply chains for titanium and other strategic resources, as well as expanding direct cooperation opportunities between enterprises of the two countries.
Albekov pointed out during the meeting that among the 34 resources listed in the EU's strategic raw materials list, 21 are already being produced or processed in Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan presented to the French side a series of measures taken to improve the investment environment and advance digitalization in underground resource utilization.
Kazakhstan expressed sincere welcome to French partners’ active participation in joint projects within Kazakhstan, advocating deeper collaboration in mineral exploration, deep processing of raw materials, and introduction of advanced technologies.
Both sides affirmed their willingness to further strengthen long-term strategic partnership and ensure continued implementation and effectiveness of various agreements and cooperation initiatives.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868473632954380/
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