Air Astana looks to the future with Boeing 787 and Airbus A320 Fleets

Tuesday 8th January, 2008

Kazakhstan’s Flag Carrier enters a new era of development to match economic growth.

Air Astana, the flag carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan, has signed Letters of Intent (LOI) for the firm order of three Boeing 787-8s plus purchase rights for three additional aircraft, together with firm orders for six Airbus A320s with options for three additional aircraft. The airline has selected the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 to power the Boeing 787-8s, whilst an engine selection for the Airbus A320s is not yet confirmed.

The total value of the deal based on manufacturers’ list prices is US$950 million for the nine aircraft on firm order, plus a further US$735 million for the additional six aircraft covered under purchase rights and options. The first of the newly ordered Airbus A320s will be delivered in 2012 and first Boeing 787-8 delivered in 2016.

“This major new fleet commitment represents Air Astana’s first order for its own aircraft and is consistent with the airline’s Strategic Business Plan which will see the fleet grow to 63 aircraft by 2022. Air Astana is entering into an exciting new era of development to match strong traffic growth demands from the dynamic Kazakh economy,” said Peter Foster, President of Air Astana.

The Air Astana fleet grew to 18 aircraft during 2007 following the delivery of two Boeing 767-300ERs, two Airbus A320s and two A321s. The airline also operates Boeing 757-200 and Fokker 50 types.

Air Astana is a joint venture between Samruk State Holding (51%) and BAE Systems (49%). The airline commenced regular flight operations in May 2002 and currently operates a network that serves 25 domestic and 21 international destinations from its hubs in Almaty, Astana and Atyrau. 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.

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