Kazahkstan carrier Air Astana has launched flights from Almaty to Iranian capital Tehran.
The landmark service is expected to boost business and cultural links between the two nations and will operate three times a week.
The Kazakh government is also hopeful of obtaining visa on arrival status for its citizens, giving tourism links a major boost.
"The new service connecting Kazakhstan with Iran will provide convenient connections to Air Astana’s CIS and Asian network, in particular to the cities of Beijing and Urumqi," said Ibrahim Canliel, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Air Astana.
Flights are operated by Embraer 190 aircraft with nine business class and 88 economy class seats.
Air Astana has launched lead-in return fares in economy starting at US$290 and US$930 for business class.
