Bishkek, March 5, 2026. /Kabar/. Airports of Kyrgyzstan and BBAM Aircraft Leasing & Management signed agreement on procurement of two Airbus A321ceo aircraft in Yntymak Ordo.
According to the Cabinet of Ministers' press service, the agreement was signed by Manasbek Samidinov, Chairman of the Board of Kyrgyzstan Airports OJSC, and Steve Zissis, CEO of BBAM Aircraft Leasing & Management.
In his speech, Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers noted that the agreements reached today are the result of bilateral trust, open dialogue, and a commitment to long-term cooperation. He stated that the use of modern and efficient aircraft will help take Kyrgyzstan's civil aviation to a qualitatively new level.
"I express my gratitude for the support provided in implementing initiatives aimed at modernizing the Kyrgyz Republic's air fleet. The development of our country's aviation industry has been fragmented due to insufficient and unsystematic support. However, in recent years, dramatic changes have begun in this area. "The strategic decision made by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to establish the State Civil Aviation Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers has ushered in a new era in the development of the aviation industry," said Adylbek Kasymaliev.
The chairman also noted that between 2021 and 2025, the number of passengers served at airports on domestic and international flights increased by 52%, while the number of flights operated increased by 53%. While five airports operated in the country in 2021, all airports in the country are now operational.
"Following audits conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2023-2024, the compliance of the Kyrgyz Republic's aviation system with international standards was confirmed. The latest audit showed an aviation safety performance indicator of 85.76%, representing a significant increase compared to previous indicators. These achievements create the real preconditions for Kyrgyzstan's removal from the European Union's Safe List. A final audit by the European Commission is expected in the coming days, and this is an important step towards achieving this goal," he said.
Airbus Europe President Johan Pélissier thanked the guests for the warm welcome and noted that direct dialogue has been established with representatives of the Kyrgyz aviation industry to successfully implement upcoming major joint projects. He also expressed his readiness to continue collaborating with the Kyrgyz side to further develop and elevate the aviation industry to new heights.
The Airbus A321ceo aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to Airports of Kyrgyzstan at the end of 2026. The aircraft is aimed at supporting Asman Airlines, a subsidiary of Airports of Kyrgyzstan, by improving passenger comfort, further strengthening flight safety, expanding the airline's flight network, and strengthening its position in international aviation.