Air Astana selects Airbus A320neo family aircraft for major fleet modernisation
Air Astana has committed to a major fleet modernisation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding for up to 50 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. This would be the largest ever order placed by the airline, comprising of 25 firm aircraft and 25 purchase options.
The agreement includes a mix of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, with the first deliveries starting in 2031. The majority of the aircraft will be allocated to the Airbus A321LR, a version of the aircraft of which Air Astana was one of the first airlines to install a deluxe configuration, for deployment on its pioneering long-haul services to Asia and Europe. Air Astana’s operation of the A321LR over the past five years has set the standard for new operators of the type around the world. This order would be in addition to one announced earlier this month and remains subject to shareholder approval.
“Air Astana’s large order for a new fleet of Airbus A320neo family aircraft reflects a commitment to maintaining its reputation for operational efficiency and service excellence in the long term,” said Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana. “The Airbus A320neo family has proven to be an outstanding success in service with Air Astana over many years and I’m confident that the new fleet will continue to boost sustainable growth and profitability in the long term.”
Air Astana introduced the first Airbus A320ceo into the fleet in 2006, with the aircraft operated on the airline’s domestic network and services to international destinations in Central Asia and the Caucasus. The first new generation Airbus A320neo family aircraft joined the fleet in November 2016 and was followed by first Airbus A321LR in September 2019. Airbus A321LR aircraft are operated on long-haul routes to destinations in Asia and Europe.
The Air Astana Group currently operates a fleet of 62 aircraft, including 59 Airbus A320 family aircraft, split between Air Astana, the full-service airline and FlyArystan, its low-cost airline.
