Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, Air Astana, has signed a memorandum of understanding for 50 Airbus A320neo aircraft, the airline said in a release.
«Air Astana has committed to a major fleet modernization 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 25 firm aircraft and 25 purchase options,» the release read.
The agreement applies to acquiring Airbus A320neo and Airbus A321neo aircraft, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin in 2031. The base of the order will be the Airbus A321LR — an aircraft type that Air Astana was one of the first to introduce with a premium arrangement for long-distance travel to Europe and Asia.
The new order adds to a deal announced earlier this month and is yet to be approved by the shareholders.
«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. 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,» Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana, said.
Air Astana commenced operations with its first Airbus A320ceo in 2006, operating the aircraft on domestic routes and international destinations in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
The first aircraft of the new-generation Airbus A320neo family joined the fleet in November 2016, and the first Airbus A321LR in September 2019. Airbus A321LR models operate long-haul flights to Asia and Europe.
Currently, the Air Astana group’s fleet comprises 62 aircraft, including 59 Airbus A320 family aircraft. The aircraft are used in the operations of both Air Astana and its low-cost carrier FlyArystan, a subsidiary of Air Astana.
On Nov. 7, the company announced a major Boeing order for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, adding to three previously ordered Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled for 2026–2027, bringing the total order to 18 aircraft and the total amount to $7 billion, engines included.
