Kazakhstan prepares aviation sector for direct US flights

Photo: Shutterstock, photo editor: Serikzhan Kovlanbayev

The first workshop on managing insider threats in aviation was held in Almaty at the Academy of the Border Service of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan. The initiative, supported by the U.S. Embassy’s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), was part of Kazakhstan’s implementation of international security standards and preparations for the launch of direct flights to the U.S., the country’s Civil Aviation Committee reported.

«The workshop was aimed at improving the professional training of specialists and introducing practice-oriented approaches to identifying, assessing and mitigating threats, including internal risks that could impact civil aviation safety,» the committee said in a statement.

At the event, participants learned to analyze external threats and internal risks, and to improve their behavioral awareness. TSA instructors also shared their knowledge of methods for developing comprehensive response plans and mitigating the consequences of potential incidents, particularly in the air cargo industry.

According to the organizers, the event marked the beginning of a series of training programs aimed at strengthening aviation security standards in Kazakhstan. Particular attention will be paid to preparations for direct flights to the U.S., which is one of the most demanding jurisdictions in aviation security.

Kazakhstan and the U.S. have been discussing the launch of direct flights for several years. Some reports have even suggested that the new route could be opened as early as this year. Last year, the CEO of Air Astana said that at least two aircraft would be needed for the launch.