26 August 2008
Flag Carrier leads CIS region with modern fleet, operational reliability and service innovation
Air Astana, the flag carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan,
continued to experience strong growth during the first half of 2008,
with available seat kilometers up by 20% to 4.2 billion compared to the
same period in 2007. Passengers carried during the first six months of
2008 increased by 16% to 1.3 million, with the total expected to reach
2.4 million for the full year. Passenger revenue increased by 26% to
US$312 million and cargo revenue was up 30%. Almost 14,000 scheduled
passenger flights were undertaken with an average load factor of 64%.
The Air Astana fleet grew to 21 aircraft during the first half
of 2008 following the delivery of three additional Airbus A320 family
aircraft. The airline confirmed orders for six A320 family aircraft
during the first half of the year, with the fleet on track to grow to 34 aircraft in 2014 and 63 by 2022,
Additional aircraft capacity enabled Air Astana to increase
frequencies on domestic trunk routes from both Astana and Almaty, whilst
international service frequencies were increased to Frankfurt, Istanbul
and Moscow.
Other achievements during the first half of the 2008 were the
100% implementation of electronic ticketing, the overwhelming popularity
of the new Nomad Club frequent flyer programme and the opening of a new
aircraft maintenance facility in Almaty.
“Air Astana has rapidly established itself as the industry
leader in the CIS region, with a commitment to a modern all western
fleet, operational reliability and constant innovation in passenger
service. Air Astana continues to perform strongly despite the clear
challenges facing the air transport industry today and has a very
exciting future ahead.” said Peter Foster, President of Air Astana
Air Astana is a joint venture between Kazakhstan’s Samruk State
Holding (51%) and BAE Systems (49%). The airline commenced regular
flight operations in May 2002 and currently operates a network that
serves 25 domestic and 21 international destinations from its hubs in
Almaty, Astana and Atyrau. Air Astana is a full member of the
International Air Transport Association and is the only airline in
Kazakhstan with EASA Part 145 aircraft maintenance certification.
Issued on behalf of Air Astana by eacomms.
For more information, please contact:
Anthony Phillips
Euro Asia Communications
Level 31,
6, Battery Road,
Raffles Place
Singapore 049909
Tel: +65 6235 3400
E-mail: aphillips@eacomms.com.sg