Air TransportAir Astana closes order for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
Air Astana has signed an agreement to acquire up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners during the C5+1 Summit, a diplomatic initiative held in Astana.
This is the largest aircraft acquisition ever made by the Kazakh airline and aims to modernize the fleet and expand international growth opportunities. The company plans to use the new widebodies to enhance passenger experience and strengthen its presence in strategic long-haul markets starting in 2026.
With a capacity for 303 passengers, the 787-9s will expand Air Astana’s route network and facilitate entry into the North American market, a segment previously unexplored by the company. The airline also finalized the leasing of three additional 787-9s, which could bring the fleet to 18 aircraft of this type.
"Air Astana is strategically committed to boosting its service capabilities from Central Asia / Caucasus to Asia, Europe and the rest of the world over the next decade, with the arrival of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner next year marking the start of this exciting phase of development," said Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana.
Currently, Air Astana operates three Boeing 767s, including the last jets of the model acquired to fly with passengers in 2014.
In addition to these, the company has a fleet of short-fuselage jets formed by the Airbus A320 family, including 17 A321neo, 11 A320neo, and three A320ceo.
Founded in 2001, Air Astana is the flag carrier of the Central Asian country and is a joint venture between the country’s sovereign fund and BAE Systems. The airline operates flights to 129 destinations primarily from Almaty International Airport.
The company also has a subsidiary, FlyArystan, which has a fleet of 28 Airbus A320s. Air Astana had received five Embraer E190-E2s configured with only 108 seats, but operated them for a short time, between late 2021 and mid-2024.
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