LOT will add direct flights to Kazakhstan

LOT Polish Airways will begin flying passengers directly to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, in May of this year, the company announced on Thursday. It is part of the airline’s strategy of profitable growth, called “LOT 2020.” “The first flight from Warsaw to Astana is scheduled for May 8 […] the Polish carrier will fly to Astana four times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, [departing at] 10: 50 pm and arriving in Astana at 7:45 am. Return flights from Astana will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm, landing in at 2:15pm local time,” said part of the statement. LOT CEO Rafał Milczarski stated in the release that he viewed Astana, which recently hosted the Syrian Civil War negotiations between Turkey, Iran and Russia, “as one of the most important Asian capitals, an important center of business and modern, impressive city for visitors.” He added, “I am convinced that a direct connection will strengthen both economic cooperation and tourism. We hope that more passengers from Kazakhstan decide to visit Poland, as well as more and more Poles decide to visit an exciting place.” It appears economic connections between the two countries are growing. In 2015, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Economy, the trade turnover between Poland and Kazakhstan amounted to PLN 4.4 billion. Between January and November 2016, it was estimated to be as high PLN 2.8 billion. Currently, 190 Polish companies are registered in Kazakhstan, and nearly 2,000 enterprises are involved in the trade in goods between the two countries, according to the release.