As global air cargo demand continues to surge, FedEx Express is sharpening its focus on Central Asia, leveraging the region’s strategic position along the modern Silk Road to transform it into a critical hub for global logistics. With rising e-commerce, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and growing trade flows between China and Europe, Central Asia offers unparalleled opportunities for airfreight operators.
Aida Issayeva, Head of Operations Department at FedEx Express KZ, stated, outlining the company’s vision for expanding its footprint in the region: “Central Asia is emerging as a pivotal transit corridor in global supply chains,” Issayeva stated. “FedEx is investing in infrastructure, technology, and partnerships to ensure we meet the evolving needs of our customers while supporting the economic ambitions of the region.”
Strategic role
Central Asia’s geographical location places it at the heart of the New Silk Road in the sky—a concept that reimagines the ancient trade routes connecting East and West through modern aviation corridors. Kazakhstan along with Uzbekistan, in particular, is leveraging its central position to offer seamless connectivity between China and Europe, bypassing congested routes in the Middle East and South Asia.
The region’s growing role is underpinned by its integration into the BRI, which has accelerated infrastructure development across road, rail, and air transport. Airports in Tashkent, Almaty, and Nur-Sultan are being upgraded to handle increased cargo volumes, with Kazakhstan investing heavily in free economic zones and multimodal logistics hubs.
“Kazakhstan is becoming a hub where transhipments,” Issayeva noted. “For FedEx, this translates into faster, more reliable delivery options for goods moving across continents.”
Adapting to e-commerce growth
The global e-commerce boom is one of the primary drivers of increased air cargo demand, particularly for time-sensitive shipments. China, as the world’s largest e-commerce market, is central to this trend. With production hubs concentrated in its interior provinces, the need for efficient logistics solutions to deliver goods to Europe and beyond has never been greater.
FedEx is responding by enhancing its capabilities in Central Asia, where the proximity to Chinese manufacturing centres offers a strategic advantage. The company’s air cargo operations in the region are designed to complement its global network, ensuring that high-value and time-critical shipments reach their destinations seamlessly.
“e-commerce has reshaped the logistics landscape, and Central Asia is uniquely positioned to meet the demand for speed and efficiency,” Issayeva remarked. “FedEx’s presence in the region enables us to offer tailored solutions that align with the expectations of modern consumers.”
The Chinese market
China’s role as a global manufacturing powerhouse cannot be overstated. The country’s export-oriented economy drives a significant portion of global air cargo volumes, with Central Asia serving as a critical transit corridor. FedEx’s operations in the region benefit from this dynamic, enabling the company to tap into China’s growing trade flows with Europe.
Issayeva emphasised the market’s importance: “China is the engine of global trade. Central Asia’s proximity to Chinese production hubs gives us a competitive edge, allowing us to offer faster and more efficient solutions.””
Role in the future of logistics
As the New Silk Route in the sky takes shape and the air cargo demand continues to reshape trade routes, Central Asia—and Kazakhstan in particular—will play an increasingly critical role in connecting economies. For industry leaders, the region offers both challenges and unprecedented opportunities, making it a focal point for the future of global logistics.
“Central Asia is no longer just a crossroads; it’s a destination for growth and innovation,” Issayeva concluded, underscoring FedEx’s commitment to the region’s development.
