SCAT Airlines has taken a significant step into the air cargo market by ordering Kazakhstan’s first Boeing 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (767-300BCF), paving the way for the airline to launch dedicated cargo services connecting Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
The agreement between Boeing and the Kazakhstan-based carrier was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow, where both companies confirmed that a Boeing 767-300ER passenger aircraft will be converted into a 767-300BCF. The freighter will enable SCAT Airlines to operate scheduled services for both general cargo and express freight while strengthening its position in the regional and international air cargo market. (Source: Boeing announcement, Farnborough International Airshow, July 2026.)
The acquisition represents a milestone for Kazakhstan’s aviation sector, with SCAT Airlines becoming the country’s first operator of the Boeing 767-300BCF. The move also aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader strategy of developing its aviation infrastructure and establishing itself as a major logistics gateway linking Europe and Asia.
Demand for medium wide-body freighters has been growing across Central Asia as airlines expand cargo services and e-commerce volumes continue to rise. The Boeing 767-300BCF is expected to provide SCAT Airlines with the flexibility to serve key trade lanes while supporting increasing demand for time-sensitive shipments and cross-border freight.
The aircraft offers a payload capacity of up to 57 tonnes and a maximum range of approximately 3,345 nautical miles, making it well suited for regional and medium-haul cargo operations. It provides a total cargo volume of 15,692 cubic feet, including 24 pallet positions on the main deck with 11,884 cubic feet of capacity, while the lower deck accommodates an additional 3,378 cubic feet, complemented by 430 cubic feetin the bulk cargo compartment.
Commenting on the agreement, Vladimir Denisov, President of SCAT Airlines, said the investment supports Kazakhstan’s ambition of becoming a leading Eurasian aviation hub.
“With southern Kazakhstan’s hub potential, established partners in China, Turkey and Europe, and Boeing performing the 767-300BCF conversion, this long-term programme directly supports the task set by the President of Kazakhstan to establish the country as a leading Eurasian aviation hub,” Denisov said.
Lindsey Douglas, Vice President of Cabin, Modifications, Maintenance & Digital Services at Boeing Global Services, said the Boeing 767-300BCF has established itself as a reliable and efficient platform for cargo operators worldwide.
“The 767-300BCF is a proven performer in the cargo industry, and we are confident it will continue to deliver value for many years to come,” Douglas said.
The addition of the converted freighter marks SCAT Airlines’ formal entry into dedicated cargo operations at a time when Central Asia is emerging as an increasingly important transit region for global trade. As supply chains continue to diversify and demand for express logistics grows, the airline’s investment is expected to strengthen Kazakhstan’s role in facilitating cargo flows between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
