Kazakhstan rolls out digital cargo system to boost air freight efficiency
Nationwide adoption of E-Freight system aims to reduce cargo handling time, improve customs integration, and enhance Kazakhstan’s transit potential
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan has connected all its airports and most airlines to a new digital cargo management system in a bid to modernize air freight operations and position itself as a competitive transit hub in Eurasia.
According to a report by independent news outlet Kursiv Media, the Ministry of Transport introduced the E-Freight information system as part of its broader strategy to develop the country’s logistics and transportation potential through 2030.
The system replaces paper-based documentation with electronic processes, allowing cargo handling times to drop dramatically — from one day to as little as one hour.
Officials say the E-Freight platform will enhance Kazakhstan’s attractiveness as a transit corridor for international cargo, particularly as the country seeks to benefit from shifting global trade routes amid geopolitical instability.
The initiative is being implemented under a public-private partnership, with operational costs to be covered by system users. Authorities also plan to integrate E-Freight with other key platforms, including the national customs system (Keden) and agricultural and sanitary inspection databases — aiming to streamline cross-border procedures for air cargo.
Beyond digitization, Kazakhstan is also working to upgrade airport infrastructure to meet international aviation standards. Eight airports have been classified as 4E under ICAO criteria, capable of handling large aircraft and high-capacity traffic.
One of the flagship projects is Sary Arka Airport in Karaganda, which is undergoing a transformation into a multimodal cargo hub. Authorities plan to expand its freight capacity from 15,000 to 200,000 tons by 2030, positioning it as a strategic node in Kazakhstan’s evolving transport network.
While the Ministry highlights increased efficiency and regulatory compliance, some industry observers note that the success of such systems will ultimately depend on how seamlessly they are integrated across government and private sectors — and whether they can withstand the pressures of real-time global logistics demands.
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