Airbus A321neo Air Astana
Following its recent order for 15 Boeing 787-9s, Central Asian carrier Air Astana has also confirmed an incremental order for 25 Airbus A320neo family aircraft plus 25 purchase rights. It is believed that the majority of the aircraft will be A321LRs. Air Astana and its low-cost subsidiary, FlyArystan, already operate a fleet of 59 A320ceo/neo family aircraft.
The order has been waiting for some time. Shareholders voted for it in an extraordinary meeting on February 9. In a media release on February 22 to celebrate 20 years of Airbus operations, Air Astana confirmed that shareholder approval had been won for the acquisition of more aircraft “as part of the long-term commitment to maintaining a modern, efficient and passenger pleasing fleet.”
The airline of Kazakhstan hasn’t disclosed either the delivery schedule or the engine choice. But a previous MoU said that the aircraft will join from 2031, with some aircraft joining FlyArystan. All A320neo family aircraft currently have Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofans. Air Astana has recently started recruitment of new A320 pilots, with sessions scheduled in February and March.
First A320ceo
Air Astana took delivery of its first A320ceo in February 2006 and grew the fleet to 14 aircraft, but all have been retired, with the last aircraft leaving the fleet in October 2020. Three A321ceos remain active out of the five of the original batch. In 2008, the carrier placed its first direct order with Airbus for A320 family aircraft.
In November 2016, the first A320neo family aircraft was delivered, followed by the first A321LR in September 2019. There are now 11 A320neos, 10 A321neos and seven A321LRs in service. The Long Range aircraft operate to great effect on the Almaty to London network, one of the longest narrowbody routes for an LR, says the airline.
Low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan has a fleet of 15 A320ceos and 13 A320neos. Ten ceos and all neos are leased, with many of the newer aircraft leased from ALC.
Peter Foster, who will retire as CEO by the end of this month, says in an Airbus media release: “The Airbus A320neo Family has proven to be an outstanding success in service with Air Astana over many years. In particular, the A321LR in its premium configuration allows us to offer what we believe is the world’s best narrow-body long-haul product, combining true long-range capability with an exceptional onboard experience. I’m confident that the new fleet will continue to boost sustainable growth and profitability in the long term.”
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