Gonçalo Pires has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana, the company said in a statement. He will take up his duties on March 1, 2026. Previously, Pires served as CFO of Portugal’s largest airline, TAP Air Portugal.
At Air Astana, he will replace Ibrahim Canliel. Last October, the company announced that Canliel will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective April 1, 2026. As a result, the outgoing and incoming CFOs will have one month to hand over responsibilities.
What the new top manager is known for
Pires has served as TAP Air Portugal’s CFO since 2021, during which he led crisis management efforts, developed and implemented the airline’s restructuring plan, and launched digitalization projects.
Before joining the aviation industry, Pires worked in the financial sector for nearly 20 years, including in senior investment banking roles. He holds a degree in Economics from NOVA University in Lisbon and will be based at the airline’s headquarters in Almaty.
Company comment
Peter Foster, Air Astana’s current CEO, said Pires’s experience would help the company continue to grow.
«Having been the CFO of Portugal’s flag carrier for several years, Gonçalo has the right background to support Air Astana’s evolution and to capitalize on the growth opportunities in our markets,» Foster commented on the appointment.
He also expressed confidence that Air Astana would successfully continue its long-term growth strategy.
Foster’s stepping down as CEO in 2026 was announced in early October 2025.
