Yak-40 Among Apricots: Batken Brothers Invest Millions in a Dream

Amidst the familiar heat and asphalt of the Osh-Batken highway in Kyrgyzstan, an unexpected sight breaks the horizon: the white wing of an airplane nestled among apricot orchards. What initially appears to be a mirage resolves into a full-sized Yak-40 passenger jet, standing proudly in the middle of a garden. This unusual centerpiece marks the entrance to "Ak Balyk" (White Fish), a family-run resort that has quickly become a distinctive destination in the Batken region.

The resort offers a blend of traditional hospitality and a unique attraction. Visitors can enjoy fresh trout from the pools, relax in shaded tea houses, and cool off near the water features. The air is filled with the aromas of grilled fish and fresh herbs. However, the main draw is undoubtedly the Soviet-era Yak-40, which has been repurposed as a central feature of the tea house. It's a popular spot for photos, with children peering out of the windows and laughter echoing from within the cabin.

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Father had long dreamed of such a project. He worked abroad for many years and saved money. He returned to Kyrgyzstan for a wedding and accidentally heard that an old plane was for sale in Bishkek.

The Yak-40's second life was made possible by the Kochoorov and Keldibek uulu brothers, whose family had spent years working as labor migrants in Russia, a common path for many in Batken to secure income. Their father had long dreamed of opening a cafe in a real airplane. Upon returning to Kyrgyzstan for a wedding, he learned of a Yak-40 being sold in Bishkek. The family acquired the aircraft at auction for nearly 2 million som, significantly more than its starting bid.

Transporting the plane from Bishkek to Batken was a complex and costly undertaking. It required dismantling, loading onto special trailers, and navigating treacherous mountain passes. The brothers estimate that the logistics, cutting, reassembly, and interior renovation of the aircraft alone cost between 4 and 5 million som. This substantial investment has transformed the old jet into a unique symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and a major draw for tourists.

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It had to be dismantled, loaded onto trailers, and transported over mountain passes to the other end of the country – to Batken. Logistics, cutting, assembly, major repairs, reconfiguring the cabin for seating – in the end, the iron 'bird' alone cost the family budget 4-5 million som.