Construction of Central Asia's Largest Aircraft Maintenance Center Begins in Shymkent

A symbolic cornerstone-laying ceremony has marked the official start of construction for a major new aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. The project is being developed by the Kazakh airline SCAT in partnership with the American aerospace giant Boeing.

The initiative gained international momentum during a working visit by the President of Kazakhstan to the United States, where prospects for expanding strategic cooperation with Boeing's leadership were discussed, including the realization of this MRO center project.

The ceremony was attended by Shymkent's Akim (Mayor) Gabit Syzdykbekov, Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev, and Boeing's Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing Paul Righi.

Upon completion, the new complex will become the largest facility for aircraft maintenance and repair in Central Asia and one of the most significant infrastructure projects for Kazakhstan's aviation industry.

The project involves creating a modern, full-cycle production center focused on servicing Boeing aircraft. This will include models from the Boeing 737 family (Classic, NG, and MAX variants), as well as Boeing 757/767 aircraft. Future programs for wide-body Boeing 777 jets are also planned. In connection with this development, SCAT intends to purchase additional Boeing aircraft.

The complex will occupy a territory of 10 hectares. The total area of its engineering and technical infrastructure will exceed 45,000 square meters, including an apron parking area for aircraft covering more than 6 hectares. Plans call for the construction of at least 15 high-tech facilities on site.

The implementation of this project is expected to establish a modern, internationally competitive service base within Kazakhstan. It aims to attract maintenance business from foreign airlines, expand industry competencies, and create numerous new high-skilled jobs in the region.