Dialogue between the UK and Kazakhstan transport ministers will open MRO Central Asia

Image: ato comm / mark comm

This year’s MRO Central Asia: Kazakhstan, will open in Astana on 7 October with one of the event’s most significant sessions: a UK–Kazakhstan Aviation Partnership Roundtable. This will bring together government leaders and senior aviation executives to discuss the next phase of cooperation between the two countries in the field of aviation transport.

The roundtable will open with welcome remarks from Anas Sarwar, Minister of State at the UK Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and Nurlan Sauranbayev, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighting the strategic importance of aviation cooperation for both governments.

Designed as the opening strategic dialogue, the roundtable will examine how international partnerships can accelerate Kazakhstan’s ambitions to become a stronger aviation MRO hub. The agenda brings together discussions on:

• maintenance capabilities,

• airport infrastructure,

• workforce development,

• regulation,

• investment into a single high-level conversation that reflects the industry’s long-term priorities.

A Unique Mix of Global Expertise

The session will feature contributions from some of the aviation industry’s most influential organizations. In the MRO segment, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Air Astana, and AJW Group will share perspectives on advanced engine support, aircraft manufacturing, in-house maintenance capabilities, and aftermarket solutions.

Airport development and infrastructure will be represented by REIDsteel, Rider Levett Bucknall, ZHA, Buro Happold, Arup, and WW+P, bringing expertise in aviation design, engineering, construction, and major infrastructure projects.

The program also highlights future workforce development through Acron Aviation’s approach to pilot and maintenance training, while UK Export Finance will explore investment opportunities that can support aviation growth across the region.

More Than an Opening Session

Rather than serving as a ceremonial opening, the roundtable is designed to establish the strategic context for the two-day conference, connecting public-sector priorities with the operational realities facing airlines, MRO providers, OEMs, and investors across Central Asia.

For participants, it offers a rare opportunity to witness direct dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders before the conference moves into its technical and operational program.

JOIN the industry in Astana, Kazakhstan on October 7–8, 2026