Kazakhstan signs MOU with U.S. eVTOL developer Joby Aviation as part of AI-driven urban mobility plan
Kazakhstan is preparing to bring air taxi services into operation for the first time, as part of the development of Alatau, a new AI-powered smart city planned near Almaty.
The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S.-based Joby Aviation to purchase electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, according to reports from Kazakh news outlets on November 11.
The eVTOL model under consideration is capable of carrying one pilot and up to four passengers, flying up to 160 kilometers per charge at a maximum speed of 322 km/h.
The potential deal is estimated at approximately USD 300 million, although the exact delivery timeline has not yet been announced.
The Alatau Smart City project aims to consolidate four nearby settlements into a city of two million residents, designed around AI-based smart governance, advanced digital services, and next-generation transportation infrastructure.
The development is valued at USD 7.2 billion and is expected to include over 170 projects within a designated special economic zone.
As part of the MOU, Kazakhstan also plans to establish test flight facilities and operational infrastructure in the southern region, with the goal of eventually integrating air taxi routes between Alatau and Almaty, which are located approximately 34 kilometers apart.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Development, Zhaslan Madiev, described the agreement as a major step forward:
“Kazakhstan is taking a meaningful step toward the future of innovative transportation. The introduction of eVTOL technology marks a milestone in both smart city development and the integration of cutting-edge mobility solutions.”
Joby Aviation is currently preparing to launch the world’s first commercial air taxi service in Dubai next year, making Kazakhstan one of the earliest adopters among Central Asian nations.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Eunnam Choi
Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von / This article is republished from: The Korea Post, 11.11.2025
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