Air Astana launches new service to Novosibirsk, Russia.

Monday 20th July, 2009

Air Astana, the flag carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan, has launched a new service linking the capital, Astana to Novosibirsk, an industrial, scientific and cultural city in Siberia, southern Russia. Flights are operated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by Fokker 50 aircraft.

The launch of the new Novosibirsk service represents another important step in Air Astana's strategic plan to significantly expand its Central Asia network, which has already seen the introduction of new services between Almaty to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan and Urumqi in western China. Additional new routes to other cities in southern Russia including Omsk and Yekatenburg are under consideration.

“Kazakhstan maintains strong relations with Russia, with Air Astana’s new flight to Novosibirsk offering to further boost the development of business, economic and cultural relations between the capital of Kazakhstan and this Siberian federal district,” said Peter Foster, President of Air Astana. “From 2011, regional services to Russia and other neighbouring Central Asia cities will be operated by a new fleet Embraer E-190 airliners.”

Air Astana is a joint venture between Kazakhstan’s JS Company “Sovereign Wealth Fund SamrukKazyna” (51%) and BAE Systems (49%). The airline commenced regular flight operations in May 2002 and currently operates a network that serves 22 domestic and 22 international destinations from its hubs in Almaty, Astana and Atyrau. The operational fleet currently comprises of 2 Boeing 767, 4 Boeing 757, 2 Airbus A321, 7 A320, 1 A319 and 5 Fokker 50.

Air Astana is a full member of the International Air Transport Association and is the only airline in Kazakhstan with EASA Part 145 aircraft maintenance certification.