PrintJune 11, 2007
Kazakhstan opens air route to Israel
While Iran calls for Muslim nations to cut ties with Israel, Kazakhstan announces the beginning of direct air service between Almaty Airport and Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. Initially, the flight will run once a week, but is expected to increase to twice a week in the Fall.
One wonders how large the passenger demand will be. Of course, it is true that Kazakhstan is booming with oil revenues and attracting foreign businesses, and there may be some Muslims making pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Israel's expertise in arid climate agriculture may be one soure of business ties.
The route will be flown by Sayakhat Airlines, which is reported to have only three Russian airliners and supposed to be a cargo specialist. It will be offering first and business class seating on the five hour flight, so I am guessing that they will lease either an airplane. Perhaps a member of the B-737 or an Airbus A320 family of aircraft, perhaps even with a wet lease, which includes crew. Or perhaps a combi version of a larger airliner, which would be a sign that cargo is the primary consideration.
Even more intriguingly, the airline has been accused of running weapons to Somalia.
You don't have to be an MSM reporter to wonder if there isn't something deeper going on between Kazakhstan and Israel. Both share common enemies in Islamic fundamentalist terror.
Hat tip: Ummah News Links
