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Air Astana announces new routes into Asia and the Middle East
Air Astana announced the resumption of several routes along with new services to the Middle East and Asia throughout autumn 2025. As of last month, the airline resumed twice weekly flights from Almaty to Jeddah and Shyment to Jeddah once a week. Meanwhile, flights from Almaty to Medina will resume twice a week later this month, whilst services from Shymkent to Medina will operate once weekly. Flights from Astana to Jeddah and Medina will operate alternatively every two weeks, together with new services linking Aktau to both Jeddah and Medina, also operating alternatively every two weeks. Old and new inroads to Asia and beyond Air Astana is also resuming services to popular tourist destinations in Asia in late October, including Almaty to Male in the Maldives three times a week initially and increasing to five times a week during peak holiday periods. Almaty to Phu Quoc in Vietnam will initially operate five times per week, rising to daily flights in December, whilst services between Astana and Phu Quoc will operate three times a week. Services between Almaty and Dubai will increase from seven to 12 flights per week, whilst flights between Astana and Dubai will grow from seven to 10 per week. Air Astana will also boost frequencies to Thailand, with Almaty to Bangkok flights rising from four to seven per week and the Almaty to Phuket flights expanding from four to seven weekly flights. All flights will be operated by Airbus A320neo and A321LR aircraft.
Air Astana Partners with RateGain
RateGain Travel Technologies Limited (RateGain), a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry, announced that Air Astana JSC (the "Company" and, together with its subsidiary FlyArystan, the "Group"), the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size, has selected AirGain by RateGain, an AI-powered airfare pricing intelligence platform to gain real-time competitive insights and enhance pricing agility. This strategic collaboration reflects Air Astana’s continued focus on adopting innovative technology to strengthen its competitive edge while expanding its global footprint. Air Astana, recognized for its operational excellence and modern fleet, operates an extensive international and regional network, connecting Kazakhstan with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. As the airline scales to meet growing travel demand and navigates an increasingly complex pricing environment, its partnership with AirGain will empower the pricing and revenue management teams with accurate, real-time data. This will enable faster and more confident decision-making, allowing the airline to swiftly respond to market fluctuations while safeguarding revenue and maintaining a strong competitive edge. Renowned for its award-winning service and innovation, Air Astana continues to adopt advanced technology to boost efficiency across its commercial operations. Recently named “Best Airline in Central Asia and CIS” for the 14th consecutive year at the 2025 Skytrax Awards, the airline strengthens its leadership with solutions that deliver measurable impact. With AirGain, Air Astana moves beyond traditional fare tracking gaining real-time visibility into competitor pricing across airline websites, OTAs, and GDSs, enabling its teams to monitor trends, detect anomalies, benchmark fares, and respond swiftly to market shifts. Yerbolat Baisalykov, Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and Network Planning at Air Astana JSC, commented: “At Air Astana, we continuously seek innovative solutions to enhance our pricing capabilities and maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic market. Our collaboration with RateGain and adoption of the AirGain platform will equip our teams with accurate, real-time data to make smarter and faster decisions. This is a key step in strengthening our revenue management strategy as we expand our global network.” Vinay Varma, Senior Vice President and General Manager at AirGain, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Air Astana to the growing community of airlines leveraging VUE, our newly launched, AI-powered pricing intelligence platform. In an environment where fare dynamics change by the hour, VUE equips their team with the real-time intelligence needed to respond with agility and precision, strengthening their ability to lead in competitive markets.”
Air Astana releases its mid-year financials report
Air Astana JSC, the leading airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size, announced its results for the second quarter and six months ended 30th June today, 6th August. The company reported strong growth and continued focus on yield management throughout the first half of the year, resulting in a 24.1 percent increase in EBITDAR. According to airline chief executive Peter Foster: “We continue to perform strongly with rising revenues and improved margins in H1, driving growth of 24.1 percent in EBITDAR and 132 percent in PAT. This is underpinned by an increase in both capacity and traffic of 17.8 percent and 17.3 percent respectively, despite the widely publicised macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges. Our performance highlights once again the benefits of our central location and agile approach as we successfully optimised costs and allocated capacity to our key markets to maximise margins. We continue to balance unit revenues and costs due to the effectiveness of our ongoing efficiency measures and the natural currency hedge within the business.” Foster pointed out that the increase in passenger numbers alongside capacity demonstrates the demand for Air Astana’s new routes across the fastest-growing regions in Asia, particularly the megamarkets of India and China, as it is currently the only airline that offers true connectivity with the CIS region. Air Astana’s recently signed codeshare agreement with China Southern Airlines is another important step in further developing such connectivity. Fleet expansion Following the departure of its final E2, Air Astana’s fleet now consists of 61 aircraft, made up entirely of Airbus A320 family and Boeing 767s. This is the Group’s simplest fleet structure since 2003. Foster said: “Combined with our investment in our in-house MRO and ground service capabilities we have increased our resilience, improved our passenger experience and enhanced the Group’s efficiency. These new capabilities and additional capacity have enabled us to demonstrate our resilience in the management of the ongoing industry wide Pratt and Whitney GTF engine challenges.” The Company remains very confident in both the outlook for 2025 and the Group’s medium-term prospects. I would like to personally thank all of my colleagues at Air Astana for their hard work in delivering this performance and look forward to updating the market on our medium-term strategy and ambitions at our Capital Markets Day in September 2025.” At present, the Air Astana Group is well positioned for the peak summer season with ASK 17.8 percent higher than in H1-2024 and 20 new routes launched during H1 2025. Notwithstanding the Pratt & Whitney engine issues, which continue to be proactively managed through the Group’s mitigation plan and policy of dynamic capacity allocation, the Group retains a positive outlook for the summer. Highlights from H1-2025 Total revenue and other income increased 12.1% to USD 658.2 million (H1 2024: USD 587.2 million). EBITDAR increased 24.1% to USD 157.0 million (H1 2024: USD 126.5 million). EBITDAR margin improved by 2.3 pp to 23.9% (H1 2024: 21.6%). PAT increased 131.9% to USD 10.7 million (H1 2024: USD 4.6 million). ASK up 17.8% to 10.3 billion (H1 2024: 8.7 billion). RPK increased 17.3% to 8.4 billion (H1 2024: 7.1 billion). Unit revenues continue to be managed ahead of unit cost inflation, extending the positive trend from Q4 2024, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Group’s ongoing efficiency measures and natural currency hedge. RASK decreased 4.9% to USD 6.41¢ (H1 2024: 6.74¢). CASK decreased 6.2% to USD 5.97¢ (H1 2024: 6.36¢). Group passengers carried increased 11.6% to 4.5 million (H1 2024: 4.0 million) with a stable average load factor of 81.7% (H1 2024: 82.0%). Group fleet expanded to 61 aircraft with the delivery of six A320 family aircraft. Highlights from Q2-2025 Throughout the second quarter, Air Astana noted robust revenue growth and double-digit EBITDAR expansion, underscoring increasing demand, cost efficiency and operational resilience Total revenue and other income increased 13.5% to USD 365.8 million (Q2 2024: USD 322.4 million). EBITDAR increased 17.2% to USD 97.1 million (Q2 2024: USD 82.8 million). EBITDAR margin improved by 0.8 pp to 26.5% (Q2 2024: 25.7%). PAT increased 11.0% to USD 18.0 million (Q2 2024: USD 16.2 million). ASK up 21.7% to 5.6 billion (Q2 2024: 4.6 billion). RPK increased 20.4% to 4.6 billion (Q2 2024: 3.8 billion). Despite the impact of geopolitical uncertainty, unit revenues and costs remain well-balanced, reflecting operational resilience. RASK decreased 6.8% to USD 6.57¢ (Q2 2024: 7.05¢) largely driven by local currency depreciation. CASK decreased 6.5% to USD 5.87¢ (Q2 2024: 6.27¢) due to efficiency measures as well as the reduction in Tenge denominated costs and lower fuel costs. Group passengers carried increased 15.6% to 2.5 million (Q2 2024: 2.2 million) with average load factor remaining stable at 81.9% (Q2 2024: 82.8%).
Air Astana signs codeshare agreement with China Southern Airlines
Air Astana and China Southern Airlines signed a codeshare agreement on Tuesday, 29th July. The agreement will involve cooperation on trunk routes between Kazakhstan and China providing travellers with more flight options. The codeshare agreement covers Air Astana routes operated from Almaty to Beijing Capital, Almaty to Urumqi and Almaty to Guangzhou, as well as Astana to Beijing. For China Southern Airlines, the codeshare covers routes operated on a regular basis from Beijing Daxing to Almaty, Guangzhou to Almaty, Urumqi to Almaty and Xian to Almaty, together with Guangzhou to Astana and Urumqi to Astana. Forays into a strategic market This most recent agreement was also a strategic decision on the part of both airlines, in light of the longstanding links between China and Kazakhstan. Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster remarked: "China has always been a strategically important market for Air Astana. Partnering with China Southern Airlines will boost trade, tourism and cultural links with China and open a new chapter in aviation cooperation between the two countries." Likewise, China Southern Airlines president and CEO Han Wensheng declared: “Codeshare cooperation with Air Astana will result in an increase in our service frequencies to Kazakhstan. It is not only a strategic move leveraging both airlines’ strengths but also a significant step in deepening Belt and Road aviation connectivity between China and Kazakhstan.”
Air Astana announces upgrade to mobile app
Air Astana announced updates with regard to the interface of its mobile application. The latest upgrades have expanded the application’s functionality, making trip management even more convenient for users. The updated Air Astana mobile app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. Through the upgraded app, passengers can track flight status, manage bookings, and check in online through the "Trips" section. Current offers and special promotions are displayed on the main page, ensuring important information is always easily accessible. For loyal fliers In addition, the app now offers enhanced features for members of the Nomad Club loyalty programme. Accumulated points can be used not only to purchase tickets but also to pay for additional baggage, select a preferred seat (MySEAT), or upgrade the service class. Likewise, upcoming trips are displayed automatically, or they can be added manually.
Air Astana expands its network in China
Screenshot Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana announced the expansion of its China network at a media reception in Guangzhou earlier today, 11th June. The event was attended by Air Astana Group chief executive Peter Foster, Kuanysh Amantay, Minister Counsellor of Kazakhstan, and Air Astana’s regional manager for China and Mongolia Islam Sekerbekov. Foster said of the expansion: "China has always been an important strategic market for Air Astana. The launch of the Guangzhou service marks a significant step in expanding our Chinese route network in line with our long-term growth objectives. Air Astana has a proud reputation for delivering outstanding in-flight service, with passengers from China destined to enjoy high standards of cabin comfort and warm Kazakh hospitality.” A milestone in expansion The recent launch of Air Astana services from Almaty to Guangzhou marked a significant milestone in expanding the airline’s operations to China. The service not only became the fifth direct connection between Kazakhstan and China, but it also represents the first Air Astana flight linking southern Kazakhstan with southern China. This expansion underscores Air Astana’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and fostering closer ties between the two countries. Passengers from Guangzhou arriving in Almaty can enjoy convenient onward connections to destinations throughout Central Asia, the Caucasus, Middle East, South Asia and Europe Air Astana has continuously grown its route network in China since the Almaty to Beijing route was launched over 20 years ago. The airline now operates five routes between Kazakhstan and China: Almaty to Beijing, Astana to Beijing, Almaty to Urumqi, Almaty to Hainan and Almaty to Guangzhou, with a total of 23 weekly flights.
Air Astana marks its 23rd anniversary
Kazakhstan flag carrier Air Astana released an infographic detailing its progress to mark its 23rd anniversary today, 16th May. The airline takes pride in servicing 111 routes, 78 of which are international and 33 are domestic, giving it one of the most extensive route networks in the aviation sector. At present Air Astana Group, made up of Air Astana and its low-cost carrier FlyArystan, boasts of a 60-unit strong fleet. The company plans to expand its fleet to a total of 84 by the end of the current decade. The award-winning airline has ferried over nine million passengers to date and assures its loyal clientele of even better service offerings in the years to come.
Air Astana releases financials for Q1-2025
Central Asia’s largest airline group Air Astana JSC and its subsidiary FlyArystan has released its financial results for the quarter which ended on 31st March. What was particularly notable was that Air Astana registered strong revenue and EBITDAR growth in a season that is traditionally seen as a weak one. Indeed, the airline group’s total revenue and other income rose by 10.4 percent to US$292.4 million compared to where it was in the same period in 2024. Likewise, EBITDAR increased 37.1 percent to US$59.9 million, significantly higher than the US$43.7 million seen at the end of Q1-2024. EBITDAR margin improved by 4.0pp to 20.5 percent, while ASK went up 13.5 percent to 4.7 billion, and RPK increased 13.9 percent to 3.8 billion. At the same time, unit revenues continue to be managed ahead of unit costs, extending the positive trend from Q4-2024 despite the seasonally weaker quarter. Seasonal effects RASK decreased 2.7 percent to US$6.23¢, partly because of fare increases which were made to reflect the Tenge depreciation, being phased in during the first quarter though the full effect of fare adjustments will be recognised from Q2 onwards. In addition, the quieter Ramadan period fell entirely in Q1 this year and, thus, will have no effect on financials in the ongoing second quarter. CASK went down by 5.7 percent to US$6.09¢, driven primarily by lower fuel costs and the reduction in Tenge denominated costs. However, group passengers carried aboard were up 7.1 percent, closing at two million at the end of the first quarter, 0.3pp improvement in average load factor to 81.5 percent. A positive beginning Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster remarked that the findings show how the airline had a positive start to 2025, spurred on by the addition of popular new routes, increased carrying capacity, and improved profitability. Foster declared: “These results were achieved despite the Tenge depreciation and earlier Ramadan this year, driven by particularly strong international growth across key markets in Asia. Our network is growing with 15 new routes launched in 2025 to several popular business and lifestyle destinations. These flights have been added where demand is strongest, building on the 21 new routes launched last year across growth regions such as Vietnam and the Gulf. We are also improving connectivity with the two global mega markets on our doorstep.” Foster further pointed out that the airline commemorated two decades of service between Kazakhstan and India with the launch of a new service from Almaty to Mumbai, India’s commercial capital. For May 2025, Air Astana is slated to add Yining as its fifth destination in China. Foster said: “The MoU signed with China Southern Airlines for a comprehensive set of codeshares, creates additional opportunities for tourism, business cooperation, and enhanced cultural ties between Kazakhstan and China, and will strengthen our foothold in this important mega market and be a growth driver for Air Astana.” Furthermore, Air Astana has expanded its fleet to 60 units, thanks to the delivery of five A320 family aircraft at the beginning of this year. Likewise, two of the three remaining E2s have now been phased out, largely concluding the airline’s fleet simplification plan.
Air Astana to introduce direct Western Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan flights next month
Air Astana will commence a new direct route between Atyrau in western Kazakhstan to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan on 31st May. The new service operates thrice weekly utilising Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The new route from Atyrau to Baku will complement the airline's existing flights from Almaty to Baku, which operate three times a week during the summer season. The network expansion will open up more opportunities for leisure and business trips between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Flight schedules from 31st May Flight KC277 will depart from Atyrau on Mondays and Saturdays at 18:30, arriving in Baku at 18:55, and on Wednesdays at 21:35, arriving at 22:00. The return flight KC278 from Baku to Atyrau will operate on Mondays and Saturdays, departing at 19:55 and arriving at 22:30, and on Wednesdays, departing at 23:00 and arriving at 01:35 the next day. Flight time runs for one hour and 25 minutes, while the return flight goes for one hour and 35 minutes.
Air Astana honoured for excellence of inflight service in Germany
Air Astana received several awards for inflight service excellence during Aircraft Interiors Expo 2025 held in Hamburg from 8th to 10th April. Among these were the prestigious Travel Plus, Onboard Hospitality, and PAX International Readership Awards, with multiple accolades across several categories. According to airline vice-president of inflight services Yelena Obukhova: “These prestigious awards reflect the strong international recognition of our onboard product. We take pride in consistently meeting global standards while shaping a uniquely Kazakh approach to hospitality.” Outstanding amenities The airline received the Travel Plus Gold Award for its Economy Class amenity kit, bedding collection, and infant kit. The Onboard Hospitality Awards jury gave top marks to Air Astana’s baby kits for children under two, Economy Class amenity kits, and its digital menu. Air Astana was also named a winner at the PAX Readership Awards in the following categories: Best Inflight Entertainment, Best Onboard Catering, Best Economy and Premium Economy Amenity Kits, and Best Kids’ Kit. International awards in onboard services are considered an independent benchmark of quality in the air travel industry. Airline products undergo rigorous evaluation by focus groups made up of experienced travelers with a deep understanding of passenger needs who evaluate functionality, design, comfort, and sustainability. These awards highlight Air Astana’s commitment to excellence and customer-centric service.
Air Astana
Air Astana, Nazarbayev Avenue, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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