Air Astana to Open Technical Maintenance Centre in Astana, Kazakhstan

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting Kazakhstan’s national airline, Air Astana, with a loan of up to US$ 14 million equivalent in Kazakhstan Tenge.

The loan will finance the construction of the first aircraft maintenance facility capable of serving large aircraft in the country.

The technical maintenance centre will be located at Astana International Airport.

Currently international airlines, including Air Astana, have to go for maintenance of their large aircraft abroad, mainly in the United Kingdom and China. The new facility will enable Air Astana (which will also offer access to other airlines) to service those planes in Kazakhstan.

An aircraft hangar, including storage area and administration offices, and a garage for specialised vehicles will be built with the financing from EBRD.

Peter Foster OBE, President and CEO of Air Astana, said, “Air Astana is very pleased to have signed this agreement with EBRD. During the course of the past few years EBRD has expanded its already substantial presence in Kazakhstan to become one of the country's leading international partners, adhering to the highest standards of international business practices. We see this relationship as a natural fit.”

See also: Pictures from Almaty and Astana in Kazakhstan (June 2015)