Kazakhstan's Air Astana plans fleet expansion on US, Japan routes

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Air Astana Chief Executive Ibrahim Zhanlyel to discuss the airline's performance and long-term expansion plans, including fleet growth and the development of new international routes.

According to Kazakhstan's presidential office, Zhanlyel briefed the president on the carrier's operational and financial results and outlined plans to modernise its fleet, Caliber.Az reports.

The airline expects to receive new-generation Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in 2026 and 2027. Air Astana has also placed orders for up to 50 aircraft from the Airbus A320neo and Airbus A321neo families, as well as up to 15 additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled through 2036.

Zhanlyel also presented the company's long-term strategy, which aims to strengthen Kazakhstan's role as a regional aviation hub by expanding its international network, increasing flight frequencies, developing multimodal transport links, and investing in digitalisation and new technologies.

Tokayev stressed the importance of implementing the airline's strategic objectives, including expanding the fleet, broadening its route network and enhancing the country's transit capacity.

Among the government's priorities, the president highlighted the launch of direct flights to the United States and Japan.

Tokayev also pointed to recurring passenger complaints over flight delays and aircraft substitutions, calling for improvements in service quality and for the expansion of air links with countries that are popular tourist destinations for Kazakh travellers.

By Sabina Mammadli