Air Astana, the flag carrier of the Republic of
Kazakhstan, is launching a series of new routes from Almaty,
Astana and Aktau to destinations in Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
and Turkey during November and December.
The new services from
Almaty include St Petersberg in Russia (twice weekly from 2nd
December), Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan (three times weekly
from 21st November) and Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan (three
times weekly from 2nd December). Twice weekly services from
Astana, capital of Kazakhstan to Yekaterinburg in southern Russia
will commence on 8th December. A new once a week service from Aktau in western Kazakhstan to Istanbul will commence on 28th
November.
The three new services from Almaty represent
another significant step in developing the city as a major
regional hub. Existing regional services already operate from
Almaty to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, Bishkek, capital of
Kyrgyzstan, Novosibirsk in southern Russia and Urumqui in western
China.
A fleet of new generation Embraer E-190 airliners
have been selected to specifically operate on Air Astana’s
expanding Central Asia network, with the first of three leased
aircraft scheduled for delivery in early 2011. Airbus A320 Family
aircraft operate these services in the interim.
“Air Astana
continues to grow in strength and reputation as Central Asia's
leading carrier, with these latest new services destined to prove
popular with government, business and leisure travellers. More and
more passengers will have the opportunity to conveniently connect
to Air Astana's award winning long-haul services from Almaty to
major cites in Asia, Europe and the Middle East,” said Peter
Foster, President of Air Astana.
Air Astana, the flag
carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan, experienced strong growth
during the first half of 2010, with passenger numbers increasing
by 14% and revenue jumping 24% to US$245 million compared to the
same period in 2009. The carrier performed almost 13,000 scheduled
flights, with an average passenger load factor of 66%. These
figures were achieved despite operational disruptions caused by a
very severe winter across Kazakhstan and closure of European
airspace at the time of the Icelandic volcano explosion. Half
yearly profit before tax was a record $33.5 million, up 34% over
2009.
The airline commenced regular flight operations on
15th May 2002 and currently operates a network that serves 21
domestic and 23 international destinations from its hubs in
Almaty, Astana and Atyrau.
Air Astana flies an all western fleet
comprising of two Boeing 767s, four Boeing 757s, ten Airbus A320
Family and six Fokker 50 aircraft. 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.
The airline is a joint venture between
Kazakhstan’s JS Company “Sovereign Wealth Fund SamrukKazyna” (51%)
and BAE Systems (49%).
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