Air Astana’s Boeing 787 deliveries delayed amid global production issues

The first Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for Air Astana are now expected to be delivered in the third quarter of this year, later than the originally promised spring schedule.

The update was provided by Talgat Lastaev, Vice-Minister of Transport Kazakhstan, who emphasized that the delays specifically concern the 787 Dreamliner model, whose deliveries had already been postponed, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

“We expect them in the third quarter of this year. According to the plan, the first Dreamliner should arrive in the third quarter. Boeing is currently giving these dates,” Lastaev said.

Originally, the aircraft were scheduled for delivery last year, with a revised deadline set for spring 2026. The delay is attributed to global supply chain disruptions and production slowdowns at the American aircraft manufacturer.

“This is a global supply chain problem. Boeing is postponing the delivery because it cannot produce the required number of aircraft on time,” Lastaev explained.

When asked if current Air Astana CEO Peter Foster would receive the new aircraft before his departure, Lastaev confirmed that, according to the current schedule, he will not.

In 2022, Air Astana announced a significant fleet expansion, planning to lease three new Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Deliveries were originally slated between the first half of 2025 and spring 2026. To date, none of the aircraft have arrived in Kazakhstan. Peter Foster and the airline’s board are scheduled to step down at the end of March 2026.

By Vafa Guliyeva