Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines to enter cargo market with Boeing 767-300BCF conversion agreement

Image: Boeing

Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines is branching into air cargo, signing an agreement with Boeing to convert a passenger Boeing 767-300ER into a Boeing 767-300BCF. The deal was officially announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.

The move marks SCAT as the first operator of the 767-300BCF in Kazakhstan. The carrier’s new dedicated cargo division will target the expanding trade corridors connecting Asia, the CIS, the Middle East, and Europe, with a primary focus on general and express cargo operations.

While the exact operational base for the initial freighter remains undisclosed, Shymkent Airport—currently under SCAT’s trust management—is widely anticipated to host the aircraft as the airline builds out its southern transit hub infrastructure.

Specific delivery timelines and the exact donor airframe for the conversion have not yet been released. However, Kazakh carrier Air Astana currently operates three factory-fresh passenger Boeing 767-300ERs delivered in 2013–2014 (registrations EI-KEA, EI-KEB, and EI-KEC). These airframes are slated for gradual retirement as Air Astana introduces its incoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the first two of which are expected to arrive this autumn.

The expansion aligns with Kazakhstan’s declared national strategy to elevate its standing as a major Eurasian logistics hub, capitalizing on the geographic advantage of Central Asia and the South Caucasus at the crossroads of transcontinental trade. Surging e-commerce volumes and heightened demand for time-critical freight are driving a regional uptick in requirements for medium widebody cargo capacity.

“Launching cargo operations opens a strategic new chapter for SCAT Airlines and Kazakhstan’s aviation industry,” said Vladimir Denisov, President of SCAT Airlines. “We are already working closely with Chinese, Turkish, and European partners, and we view this project as the beginning of a long-term program that will expand systematically. Implementing this program alongside the airport infrastructure we are developing allows SCAT to make a practical contribution to fulfilling the strategic goal set by the Head of State—making Kazakhstan a leading Eurasian aviation hub. As a result, the country will gain a domestic carrier developing not only passenger services, but fully-fledged air cargo operations as well.”

The Boeing 767-300BCF is a twin-engine, medium wide-body freighter capable of hauling payloads of up to 57 metric tons over ranges up to 6,190 kilometers.

“We are excited to have this unique opportunity to support SCAT Airlines as they expand their operations and venture into the air cargo market,” said Lindsey Douglas, vice president of Cabin, Modifications, Maintenance & Digital Services for Boeing Global Services. “The 767-300BCF is a proven performer in the cargo industry, and we are confident it will continue to deliver value for many years to come.”

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Georgia’s MyWay Airlines receives second Boeing 777.

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CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific to launch both passenger and cargo flights to Kazakhstan.