Kazakhstan
is the world’s ninth-largest country by land area and one of the least explored by international tourists. The stunning country has a rich nomadic history (similar to Mongolia) and emerged as an independent nation after the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Today, its national carrier, Air Astana
(named after the capital), is the leading carrier in Central Asia
,

spreading its wings to the Middle East and beyond
. Here are five reasons why Air Astana has established itself as a key player in the region.

1

Favorable geopolitics

Air Astana has the European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) approval

Flag carrier:

Of Kazakhstan

Commenced operations:

15 May 2002

Location:

Central Asia

Unfortunately, geopolitics are ever-present in the Central Asian region. Kazakhstan is by a considerable margin the most stable and most developed country in Central Asia (aided by some oil wealth). Kazakhstan generally has good relations with other countries (including Western nations), while other nations in the region, like Turkmenistan, are dictatorial hermit countries.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctioning of Russian airlines and its aviation industry have also worked in Air Astana’s favor. Air Astana is able to function more as a bridge for Russians trying to leave the country (

Russian flights are now unable to fly to many international destinations
).

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2

Central location & size

With 1 million sq miles, Kazakhstan needs domestic flights

Neighboring countries:

Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China

Population:

20 million

Major cities:

Almaty, Astana, Shymkent

As the name suggests, Central Asia is located in the center of Asia (although technically, the extreme western edge of the region is in continental Europe). This means Kazakhstan is well-placed to connect the region (particularly to Russia). Since the war, more Russians have been transiting through Kazakhstan. Additionally, there are millions of Central Asian workers in Russia, and Air Astana helps to connect them.

Frankfurt_Airport_Air_Astana_Airbus_A321-271NX_EI-KGH_(DSC04615)

Photo: MarcelX42 | Simple Flying

Another factor is that Kazakhstan is a massive country. While many people in Kazakhstan struggle to afford the cost of flying, its size means the country has a strong demand for domestic flights. The two largest cities in Kazakhstan (Almaty and Astana) are 770 miles apart, and it normally takes a couple of days to drive between them (the fast train takes 15 hours).

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3

A new fleet

Air Astana’s fleet is only 5.3 years old on average

Airbus A320neos:

Average 3.8 years old

Airbus A321s:

Average 5.2 years old

Boeing 767-300s:

Average 10.8 year old

Air Astana boasts a very new and modern Western fleet of 33 aircraft (of which 5 are parked). According to Planespotters.net, Air Astana has 9 Airbus A320neos, 19 Airbus A321s (including 16 A321noes), and three Boeing 767-300s (one of which is parked). Additionally, it has two parked Embraer E190-E2.

Air Astana A321LR

Of these, the Boeing 767-300s are the oldest, at 10.5 years old. Air Astana’s three Airbus A321-200s are 12 years old, while the Airbus A321neos are just 3.9 years old on average. The Airbus A320neos is only 3.8 years old (and the airline is still awaiting delivery of another two). Passengers don’t need to worry about flying questionable old Soviet jets or

modern (and still questionable) Russian jets
with Air Astana.

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4

Regions’ first low-cost airline

FlyArystan’s fleet is only 6.6 years old

Commenced operations:

29 March 2019

Low-cost brand:

100% subsidiary of Air Astana

Fleet:

23 Airbus A320s

In 2019, Air Astana’s wholly-owned low-cost subsidiary, FlyArystan, commenced operations. FlyArystan is Kazakhstan’s first low-cost airline and the region’s first truly low-cost carrier. FlyArystan
is headquartered in the Kazakhstan city of Almaty and offers both domestic and international flights.

FlyArystan Airbus A320neo

Photo: Art Konovalov l Shutterstock

FlyArystan has a fleet of 13 Airbus A320-200s and 10 Airbus A320neos with a combined average age of 6.6 years. The A320neos are brand new and have been delivered between 2022 and 2024.

FlyArystan is also flying international routes targeting the Middle East, India, and China
.

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5

Built a good reputation

Air Astana has a 7/7 safety rating by airlineratings.com

Award:

2022, 2023, 2024 Best Airline in Central Asia & CIS

Incident rating:

3/3 (airlineratings.com)

Product rating:

5.5/7 (airlineratings.com)

Since beginning operations, Air Astana has worked to build a reputation for safety and great customer service. Air Astana was the only airline in Kazakhstan that was permitted to fly to the European Union for years. Peter Foster, President and CEO of Air Astana, recently stated, “Since it was launched 20 years ago, Air Astana steadily built a reputation for safety, efficiency, and outstanding customer service.”

Air Astana A321neoLR

Photo: Air Astana

In 2022, 2023, and 2024, it was awarded the Skytrax World Airline Award for the Best Airline in Central Asia and CIS (a feat easier to achieve now that Russia’s airlines stand little chance of winning any award for CIS countries). This is the tenth time Air Astana won the accolade, it also won the “Best Service in Central Asia and CIS” for the first time.

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