Kazakhstan is considering the launch of air taxis which could significantly reduce travel time between Almaty and nearby settlements, El.kz reports citing Finratings.kz.

Deputy PM Kanat Bozumbayev announced the plans during a parliamentary session. According to him, the first test flights could begin as early as 2026. If successful, full-scale implementation of the technology is expected within the following two to three years, the proposed routes would connect Almaty, Alatau, and several settlements in the Almaty region.

The project is expected to involve so-called eVTOL aircraft - electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles. These aircraft are already being tested in various countries and are seen as an alternative to ground transport for short and medium distances. Kazakhstan is currently in talks with international companies, including the U.S.-based Joby Aviation and China’s Autoflight.

One of the key elements of the future system will be specialized landing hubs known as vertiports. These will enable the development of regular routes between urban locations, suburbs, and tourist areas.

According to preliminary estimates, these aircraft could reach speeds of 300–350 km/h, reducing travel time between Almaty and Alatau to just 10–15 minutes. However, the project is still in the early stages, and its implementation will depend on testing results, certification, and the development of the necessary infrastructure.

Experts note that such technologies do not become widespread immediately. At the initial stage, they typically operate on a limited scale, with a small number of routes and strict safety requirements. Only after that the network can gradually expand and become accessible to a wider range of passengers.

Thus, this is not about fully replacing traditional transport, but rather about introducing a new technological model that could reshape regional mobility in the future.