Air Astana finalizes order for 25 Airbus A320neo-family jets

Air Astana has signed a firm order for 25 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, its largest direct Airbus purchase. The deal follows a recent agreement with Boeing for 787-9 widebodies.

The agreement, announced in Toulouse on March 2, covers five A320neo and 20 A321neo aircraft. The order coincides with the 20th anniversary of Air Astana’s first A320 entry into service in 2006. The group currently operates 59 Airbus A320-family aircraft.

“The Airbus A320neo Family has proven to be an outstanding success in service with Air Astana over many years. In particular, the A321LR in its premium configuration allows us to offer what we believe is the world’s best narrow-body long-haul product, combining true long-range capability with an exceptional onboard experience,” said Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana.

The new A320neo and A321neo aircraft will be deployed across both full-service carrier Air Astana and its low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan, supporting fleet renewal and capacity growth in Central Asia, the Caucasus and beyond. The A321neo, including long-range variants already in service with the airline, has become a key platform for thinner long-haul routes.

The narrowbody order follows the recent finalization of a deal for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. That agreement converted a commitment first announced in November 2025 into a firm order and represents the largest single aircraft purchase in the carrier’s history. In addition, Air Astana is set to receive three leased 787-9s, potentially bringing its Dreamliner fleet to 18 aircraft.

The 787-9, configured with 303 seats in Air Astana’s layout, is intended to expand long-haul operations, including planned services to North America, while gradually modernizing the airline’s existing widebody fleet of Boeing 767 aircraft. Initial 787-9 deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

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