Experience Almaty With AAX Connecting Cultures And Sports

Located in Central Asia, Kazakhstan shares borders with Russia to the north, China to the east, and Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, with the Caspian Sea to the west. Its rich history has been shaped by numerous nomadic tribes and empires, including the Scythians and Mongols.

Covering over 2.7 million square kilometres, Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world. Its diverse landscapes range from vast steppes and arid deserts to majestic mountains and the Caspian Sea, offering breathtaking natural beauty.

In the capital city, Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), modern architectural marvels reflect the country’s rapid development. Notable landmarks include Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr, and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, which hosts international meetings and interfaith summits.

Prior to Nur-Sultan becoming the capital in 1997, Almaty held that status and remains Kazakhstan’s largest city and a vital cultural hub.

The name ‘Almaty’ comes from the Kazakh word ‘alma,’ meaning ‘apple,’ reflecting the city's connection to wild apple trees, particularly the ancestor of the modern apple, which grows in the surrounding mountains.

Almaty, the vibrant heart of Kazakhstan, is known for its iconic landmarks, stunning natural surroundings like mountains and waterfalls, and a rich sporting tradition.

The writer was one of five participants sponsored by AirAsia X (AAX) to visit Almaty and experience the excitement of the Kazakhstan Cup Final live at the Almaty Central Stadium on Sept 29.

Though the trip lasted only four days, from Sept 28, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in Kazakhstan’s vibrant culture and experience the warm hospitality of its people.

 

AAX is the only Malaysian airline providing direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Almaty, a move that strengthens cultural and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Malaysia. This seamless travel connection is expected to positively impact both nations.

According to AAX Chairman Datuk Fam Lee Ee, the route, launched in March this year, has maintained a strong load factor of 90 per cent across its four weekly flights, underlining the growing demand for travel between these regions.

"Currently, we operate flights four times a week—on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. However, due to high demand, we are considering adding one or two more flights per week.

"Since launching direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty in March, we have maintained a 90 per cent load factor, and over 65,000 passengers have flown to Almaty. We plan to increase flights based on this demand,” Fam told Bernama.

The airline sees this as a key opportunity to expand   connectivity and strengthen ties between Malaysia and Central Asia.

 

 EXPERIENCE IN AIRASIA X (D7) A330

AAX operates the Airbus A330 for its long-haul flights, offering an affordable yet comfortable travel experience. The aircraft accommodates around 365 passengers and features a premium flatbed, quiet zone and economy zone.

Known for its efficiency and long-range  capabilities, the A330 allows AAX to connect travellers to various destinations across Asia and beyond. Its spacious cabin and quieter engines contribute to a more pleasant flying experience.

The seven-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur to Almaty aboard this well-equipped aircraft was seamless. Passengers were greeted by a friendly crew dedicated to ensuring comfort throughout the flight.

The cool cabin ambience and plush seating encouraged relaxation, while the delightful meal service featured tasty dishes like nasi lemak rendang, grilled chicken, and wontons, making the journey feel shorter and more enjoyable.

The stunning views from the window showcased lush greenery, rolling hills, and snow-capped mountain peaks, turning the flight into a visual treat.

One of the five participants on the media trip, Tunku Affie Rania Tunku Fauzi, 25, noted that it was her first experience flying with AAX, and she was impressed with the level of comfort provided.

 “Although the flight lasted eight hours, it felt more like four or five hours due to the facilities, including the premium flatbeds,” she told Bernama.

 

Almaty experiences distinct seasonal changes, making it a destination that offers diverse experiences throughout the year.

Whether tourists prefer the warmth of summer or the beauty of winter snow, Almaty has something for every season. Currently, the city is in the midst of autumn, with morning temperatures around 17 degrees Celcius and dropping to 9 degrees Celcius at night.

The main tourist draw during this time, however, is winter, when the city comes alive with outdoor activities. Skiing in the Shymbulak Mountains attracts visitors eager to enjoy the vibrant winter atmosphere.

Spring is also a popular season for tourists, as vibrant tulips bloom and the forests transform with shades of green and yellow. These beautiful landscapes make it a perfect time for sightseeing and photography.

 

Horse meat holds a significant place in Kazakhstan’s culinary traditions, a reflection of the country's nomadic history.

Horses have long been essential for transportation, livestock herding, and as a source of food. Historically, owning horses was a sign of wealth and status, and they often played a role in ceremonies and celebrations.

 Horse meat is considered leaner and healthier than beef or lamb, being rich in protein, iron, and essential nutrients. It has a slightly sweeter and tender taste compared to other types of red meat.

The writer, along with colleagues, had the opportunity to try horse meat, discovering its unique flavour, reminiscent of goat meat.

The rich oil released when chewed, combined with the tender texture, made it a truly special dish. Locals explained that horse meat is particularly valued during winter, as it provides warmth in temperatures that can drop between -5 degrees Celcius and -15 degress Celcius.

 

 KAZAKHSTAN CUP FINAL 2024

Although Kazakhstan is not widely known for its football tournaments, the country has gained recognition in sports such as boxing, wrestling, and weightlifting, earning medals in various international competitions, including the Olympics.

However, football in Kazakhstan is steadily improving, both in terms of gameplay and the support it receives from fans, connecting millions of passionate supporters.

The 32nd edition of the Fonbet Kazakhstan Cup took place on Sept 29, with AAX as the airline partner.

 The writer was among five participants who attended the final live in Almaty, where the excitement and passion of the fans were palpable as FC Atyrau and FC Aktobe competed for the championship trophy.

The match concluded with a dramatic 2-1 victory for FC Aktobe, secured by a last-minute goal. This win earned the team not only the cup but also a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa League.   

Meanwhile, AAX has earlier announced its role as the Official Airline Partner for two of Kazakhstan’s most prestigious football tournaments – the Qazaqstan Final Cup and Final Cup League.

“This partnership highlights AirAsia’s dedication to uniting people across borders and inspiring them to ‘Dare to Dream,’ through the shared passion of sport,” it said in a statement.

According to AAX Chief Executive Officer Benyamin Ismail, partnering with Kazakhstan's premier football tournaments provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the local community while further establishing its footprint in the region.

“Since the launch of our direct route between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty in March, we have witnessed tremendous demand with 65,000 guests flown between the two cities, proving the potential of this growing market.

“We are excited about the possibility of increasing flight capacity or frequency as demand continues to rise,”he added in the statement,

 

Edited by Salbiah Said