Ever wanted to visit Central Asia? Do you even know what Central Asia comprises? (If you’re unsure, it’s a part of Asia between Europe and the Far East that includes countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, so you might also know it as the “Stans”.) Well, few Aussies actually get there. But if you long to visit this part of the world, a new airline wants to help turn your dreams into a reality.
Called Vietjet Qazaqstan, the new carrier is a joint initiative between Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet and Kazakhstani airline Qazaq Air.
Announced during Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Kazakhstan this week, the joint venture aims to boost connectivity between Asia-Pacific and Central Asia. And among its stated goals is to help connect Australians to a region still largely off the mainstream travel map.
Equally importantly, it wants to turn Vietnam into a gateway of sorts to the region.
Under the strategic alliance, Vietjet Qazaqstan will be based on Qazaq Air’s existing platform but will expand operations with a fleet of at least 20 Boeing 737s.
Vietjet has also secured a strategic equity stake in Qazaq Air, as it plans to co-develop the new airline as a modern, low-cost carrier.
The new venture would represent the next international chapter for Vietjet, following the launch of Vietjet Thailand.
Backed by Boeing’s full technical support, Vietjet says the airline will offer a digital-first operation model and invest heavily in workforce training.
With Kazakhstan located along new trans-Eurasian corridors, VJ says the venture gives Australians a promising new pathway to explore Central Asia’s growing tourism potential.
For Vietnam, it’s a move that enhances economic, cultural, and aviation ties while showcasing Vietjet’s growing global footprint and commitment to multilateral partnerships.
Vietjet carries more passengers between Australia and Vietnam than any other airline. It recently reported a 24 per cent year-on-year profit increase in Q1 2025 earnings.
