A new head has been appointed to Kazakhstan's Aviation Administration, reports Todayinfo. His arrival is linked to preparations for launching direct flights to the USA.
Effective May 4, 2026, Michael Daniel was appointed Chief Executive Officer of "Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan" JSC. According to the Civil Aviation Committee, he holds a specialized aviation degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the USA, majoring in Aeronautics, and has over 40 years of experience in civil aviation.
He began his career at the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he served as a flight operations inspector, aircraft certification specialist, flight safety manager, and senior manager for international programs and policy.
Daniel also worked in FAA's international offices in Frankfurt, New York, and Washington. From 2006 to 2009, he headed the FAA's international office in Singapore and Beijing, overseeing foreign repair stations and international safety assessments.
Over the years, he led international initiatives, including the APEC Transportation Security and Aviation Working Group, oversaw international supervision, and collaborated with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Civil Aviation Committee stated that one of the new head's main tasks will be to open direct flights from Kazakhstan to the USA.
“The person came with the task of opening flights to the USA. Aircraft have already been purchased; now, an audit for compliance is needed,” said aviation expert Abul Kekilbayev.
Abul Kekilbayev explained that appointing a new head alone is not enough to launch direct flights to the USA. Kazakh air carriers need to undergo several procedures with American regulators.
To obtain permits, an airline must first receive authorization from the U.S. Department of Transportation, after which the application goes to the FAA.
The FAA then verifies whether the country of registration of the airline complies with ICAO safety standards. A crucial stage is the assessment under the IASA program.
Under IASA, the FAA inspects not an individual airline but the country's aviation authorities, examining laws, the oversight system, inspector qualifications, documentation, and flight safety control.
If a country meets ICAO standards, it receives Category 1, allowing its airlines to operate flights to the USA with their own aircraft and crews. If a country receives Category 2, direct access is closed.
Separately, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) conducts an inspection, evaluating the security of airports from which flights to the USA are planned, as well as the security measures of the airlines themselves.
Therefore, direct flights to the USA are not just a matter of aircraft and routes. Kazakhstan needs to prove that its entire aviation oversight system complies with American and international requirements. The new head of the Aviation Administration is likely expected to help navigate this process.
