KAZAKHSTAN. Groupe ADP company TAV Airports* this morning unveiled the new US$200 million terminal at Almaty Airport to the public as the first passengers arrived on Air Astana flight KC664 from London.
Almaty Airport is Central Asia’s busiest air hub. The new terminal increases annual passenger capacity to more than 14 million. ATÜ Duty Free (a joint venture between TAV Airports and Unifree Duty Free/Gebr. Heinemann) is managing shops spanning 3,400 sqm of space.
International traffic will be transferred to the facility over the next two weeks and the existing terminal will then serve domestic traffic only.
On Friday, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited the airport. He was joined by Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev; Mayor of Almaty Yerbolat Dosaev; TAV Airports Executive Board Member and Chair of ExCom Franck Mereyde and CEO Serkan Kaptan; along with executives from lenders EBRD, IFC, DEG and EBD.
President Tokayev expressed his gratitude to TAV Airports for completing the terminal and lenders for their contribution to the project.
TAV Airports said the terminal utilises the latest technological applications for operational efficiency and features a range of world-class services to enhance passenger experience.
Besides the retail offer, Primeclass and Air Astana lounges cover 2,600sq m while the extensive F&B offer includes a fusion of international brands plus local flavours.
Connecting East and West
TAV Airports CEO Serkan Kaptan commented: “One of the main transit hubs between Asia and Europe, Almaty Airport is strategically located on the modern Silk Road, established from China to Europe and Africa, as well as the Middle Corridor-Trans Caspian International Transport Route.
“Kazakhstan is the largest country in the region – both geographically and economically – and Almaty is the largest city in the country, producing 20% of Kazakhstan’s GDP.
“Using our extensive know-how and global network, we are boosting air connectivity, creating jobs, and contributing to the sustainable development efforts in Kazakhstan. In just three years the number of destinations almost doubled; the number of passenger airlines rose to 37 from 24; and cargo airlines to 16 from nine.
“We increased direct jobs by +10% last year. This investment will help further our contribution, creating value for all our stakeholders and local communities.”
Strong passenger growth
Almaty Airport served 6.4 million passengers in 2019 and has subsequently ranked among the fastest to recover from the global pandemic. In 2023 it welcomed 9.5 million passengers, a +32% increase year-on-year.
In addition to national flag carrier Air Astana, Scat Airlines use Almaty as a base.
“Air Astana makes up more than half of the passenger traffic. Together with Flyaristan, they have an ambitious plan to grow their fleet and introduce new destinations. The new terminal will create capacity to support organic growth while we work to attract new airlines,” said Kaptan.
Targeting 5-stars at Skytrax
TAV Airports said it will utilise its unique business model to bring in group subsidiaries to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.
TAV Technologies has implemented its IT solutions across the terminal, including e-gates for a seamless passenger flow.
“A bridge connects the existing terminal to the new one, providing an easy connection for transfer passengers. We have a masterplan running until 2050s and we are ready to develop the airport further based on traffic increases. In the short term, we will modernise the existing terminal to serve domestic traffic,” said Kaptan.
Largest private airport investment in Central Asia
TAV Airports holds an 85% stake in the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which acquired Almaty Airport in 2021 for US$422 million. The co-investor is the Kazakhstan Infrastructure Fund, managed by VPE Capital.
TAV secured US$450 million to finance the acquisition and the investment.
The financing package is spearheaded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Additionally, IFC and EBRD jointly mobilized parallel loans by DEG, the German development finance institution, and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB).
Central Asia’s first EDGE-certified airport
As part of TAV Airports sustainability strategy, the new terminal is designed and built to be certified under IFC’s Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) program, which recognizes environmentally friendly buildings.
TAV Airports aims to reach carbon-neutrality by 2030 and net-zero emissions latest by 2050.
*About TAV Airports
TAV Airports provides integrated services across all airport operations areas, with a global footprint at 110 airports in 33 countries. A member of Groupe ADP, TAV Airports is part of the leading airport management platform globally.
Through its subsidiaries, TAV is active in airport service businesses, including duty-free, food and beverage, ground handling, IT, private security and commercial area management. The company is quoted on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. ✈
