Air Astana Expands Fleet with A321LRs, Delays Boeing 787 Introduction to Late 2025

Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, has announced a significant expansion of its fleet through a new dry lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation for seven A321-200NX(LR)s. The deliveries are scheduled to occur between 2026 and 2028, according to a recent stock market filing by the airline.

Currently, Air Astana operates a robust narrowbody fleet, including twelve A321-200NX(LR)s, ten of which are already leased from Air Lease Corporation. Additionally, the airline’s fleet comprises eleven A320-200s, thirteen A320-200Ns, two A321-200s, and four A321-200Ns. Furthermore, Air Astana plans to augment its narrowbody fleet with three more A320-200Ns from another lessor, Avolon.

In parallel with this expansion, there has been a notable shift in the timeline for introducing new-generation widebody aircraft into Air Astana’s fleet. Following discussions between Zhaslan Madiyev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace, and representatives from Boeing, it has been disclosed that the first Boeing 787 designated for a “Kazakh airline” will now be delivered in late 2025. This marks a delay from the initial expectation of early 2025.

Air Astana had previously secured a dry lease for three Boeing 787-9s in November 2022, marking its first foray into new-generation widebody aircraft. The airline also holds a direct order for three Boeing 787-8s from Boeing. However, it remains unconfirmed whether this order will proceed in light of the new lease commitments.

The upcoming inclusion of Boeing 787s is strategically important for Air Astana, as these aircraft are essential for launching the airline’s long-anticipated flights to the United States in 2025. Currently, Air Astana’s fleet of three Boeing 767-300ERs lacks the range for such long-distance operations. The new Boeing 787s will not only enhance the airline’s operational capabilities but also expand its global footprint by enabling direct long-haul flights.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com