Almaty (TDI): The newly established city of Alatau, located near Kazakhstan’s commercial hub Almaty, is set to become the first in the country to introduce a futuristic air taxi service, marking a bold step in the nation’s transport innovation.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development has signed a memorandum of understanding with Joby Aero, Inc., a US-based pioneer in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The deal, valued at around $300 million, lays the foundation for Kazakhstan’s first urban air mobility system.
The agreement brings together several key partners, including Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd., a local air mobility operator, and Vyacheslav Kim, chairman of Kaspi.kz and a principal investor in the Alatau City development project.
Plans for Alatau City were first revealed in late 2024, following the merger of four nearby villages into a single urban entity. Authorities envision Alatau as a smart, investment-driven city, with a projected $7.2 billion in total investment and a future population of two million. The city is part of a special economic zone hosting more than 170 projects worth an estimated $24.4 billion.
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Joby Aero, recognized globally for its certified electric aircraft, will supply eVTOL models capable of vertical take-off and landing. These aircraft will serve as the backbone of the air taxi service and will also be used for testing and certification flights at a new demonstration site in southern Kazakhstan. The long-term plan includes integrating the air taxis into the broader transport systems of Alatau and Almaty.
Joby’s aircraft can cover up to 160 kilometers on a single charge and reach speeds of over 320 km/h, well suited for the 34-kilometer commute between Almaty and Alatau.
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“Kazakhstan is stepping into the future of smart mobility,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. “Our collaboration with Joby Aero is more than a purchase, it’s a leap toward developing smart cities and adopting cutting-edge transport solutions. Alatau will truly be a city of tomorrow.”
