Air Astana announces the signing of a contract with Boeing for the purchase of up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. This is the largest order ever placed by the airline and includes five firm orders, five options, and five purchase rights. The deal has been approved by the Board of Directors, and the company is currently completing the required corporate procedures.

This order complements the previously signed agreement for the delivery of three Boeing 787-9 aircraft scheduled for 2026–2027, bringing the total to 18 aircraft. The new order is expected to be delivered between 2032 and 2035. The total catalog value of the fleet of 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, including engines, amounts to 7 billion US dollars.

“Air Astana is consistently implementing its strategy to expand connectivity from Central Asia and the Caucasus to Asia, Europe, and other regions of the world over the next decade. The delivery of our first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner next year will mark the beginning of a new phase in the airline’s development. The Dreamliner combines a comfortable cabin, fuel efficiency, and the capability to operate effectively on routes of various lengths. A fleet of 18 aircraft of this type will provide our passengers with an even higher level of service and comfort,” said Peter Foster, President and CEO of Air Astana.

Air Astana has many years of experience operating Boeing aircraft. The airline began operations in 2002 with a fleet of B737-700/800 aircraft serving domestic routes within Kazakhstan and destinations in Central Asia. In 2003, the fleet was expanded with the addition of long-haul B757-200s, which opened new routes to Asia and Europe. The B737 and B757 aircraft were retired in 2007 and 2020, respectively. In 2013, the airline added three new B767-300ERs to its fleet, which continue to be successfully operated on international long-haul and popular domestic routes.