About Air Astana

Air Astana on course with third Airbus A320 delivery

Air Astana, the flag carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan, officially took delivery of a brand new Airbus A320, straight from the assembly line today. This is the third of four, A320 acquisitions planned for the year, bringing the total fleet to 15. With this new addition, Air Astana is on target to realising its major fleet expansion plan of 34 aircrafts by 2014.

Mr. Peter Foster, President of Air Astana, announced during the inauguration ceremony of the first A320 in March this year that the fleet expansion plan is part of the goal to “develop Air Astana into a globally renowned, truly world class international airline of which everyone can feel truly proud.”

Besides new aircrafts with enhanced cabin facilities, Air Astana continues to make a number of improvements to its amenities and services.

Since March 2006, hot meals have been introduced in economy-class on flights between Kazakhstan’s capital Astana and its financial hub Almaty, much to the delight of its regular passengers. This service comes as a pleasant surprise to many foreign passengers who typically have seen hot meals disappear on short-haul domestic flights in their home countries.

By October 2006, portable TV screens will be installed in Business Class and by the end of the year internet booking, e-ticketing and automated check-in services will be in operation. April 2007 has also been earmarked for the introduction of a frequent flyer programme.

In line with Air Astana’s goal in becoming a world class international airline, Air Astana has spared no effort on the internal staff training.

Over the course of the summer, approximately 200 Air Astana employees will undergo training by a Singapore based specialist in-flight training organisation, called the Little Red Dot Academy. The employees will be trained through a series of courses by professional trainers to equip themselves with the latest in-flight knowledge and skills to meet the ever-changing dynamics on the service front.

Air Astana is a 51/49 Joint Venture between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and BAE Systems of the United Kingdom. Air Astana currently operate a mixed fleet of 15 western aircraft on a network of 24 domestic and 17 international routes and employs more than 1,500 local staff.

Air Astana airline is a full member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the only airline in Kazakhstan maintaining aircraft according to European JAROPS and JAR145.