September 25, 2025, Montreal. On the sidelines of the 42^nd Session of the ICAO Assembly, Chairwoman of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ms. Saltanat Tompieva, and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to ICAO, Mr. Timur Tlegenov, held a meeting with Assistant to the Vice-Minister for International Aviation of Japan, Ms. Rieka Nakayama, and Permanent Representative of Japan to ICAO, Mr. Toshiyuki Onuma.

During the meeting, the parties discussed air transport relations between the two countries. It was noted that the existing legal framework between Kazakhstan and Japan allows for the operation of regular air services.

Given the growing interest in strengthening business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, the Kazakh side expressed its interest in resuming direct air services with Japan.

The Japanese side emphasized the importance of joint efforts to restore air connectivity and further deepen cooperation between the two nations. As an initial step, it was proposed to establish close cooperation between Air Astana and Japanese airlines All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines. To date, commercial (interline) agreements have already been signed between the carriers.

The meeting took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.

Background:
An interline agreement is the primary form of cooperation between airlines, allowing passengers to purchase a single ticket covering multiple flight segments operated by both Air Astana and partner airlines.

Such agreements enable passengers to access an extended route network. For itineraries including several connecting flights under interline agreements, baggage can typically be checked through to the final destination, eliminating the need to collect and recheck luggage at transfer airports.
However, passengers must check in for the onward flight of the partner airline at the airport of transfer.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kazakhstanicao/press/news/details/1085662?lang=kk