The national air carrier announces the termination of flights from the
capital city of Kazakhstan
to Petropavlovsk with effect from 8th December due to
the deficiency of fire and rescue services at Petropavlovsk airport.
According to a safety and quality audit
conducted in November 2010, the airport fire fighting and emergency rescue
medical services are inadequate in terms of Kazakhstan Regulations (Kazakhstan
Regulation/Order Nr. 4 from 07 January 1999 and Appendix-10 to the order СAC RoK
dated 26 October 2004 Nr. 203). Previous quality assurance audits by the
airline at Petrapavlovsk airport recommended and strongly urged the airport
management to address the shortcomings, but the situation has not improved. While the most significant shortcomings detected at Petrapavlovsk airport
are inadequate number of firefighters, serviceability of fire fighting
equipment and the lack of any medical emergency services at the airport other
deficiencies, as noted and reported to the airport and the Regulator, also
influenced the decision to terminate flights to Petropavlovsk.
"Flight safety is the priority of our
company that is why the airline with the utmost seriousness refers to the
preparedness of airports for any emergency situation. We bring our most sincere
apologies to customers for the inconvenience, and hope that the top management
of the airport will take the necessary measures where upon we will continue our
flights from Astana to Petrapavlovsk," commented Peter Foster, the President of
Air Astana.
The airline will reconsider resuming service on
the route Astana – Petrapavlovsk on March 31st, 2011, if all inconsistencies
presently existing at Petrapavlovsk airport will be removed.
Almaty – Petropavlovsk destination
was opened in November 24th, 2004. Since its opening the airline carried
72, 241 passengers. Flights were carried on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays on
Fokker-50.
For information
considering returning tickets, please contact the agency where you purchased
ticket or Air Astana Customer Relations.