SINGAPORE, 5 April 2024: Air Astana confirmed this week its low-cost airline brand, FlyArystan, has been granted its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK).

Air Astana Joint Stock Company, including its subsidiary FlyArystan, is the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions in terms of revenue and fleet size.

The AOC issued on 1 April 2024 follows the AAK’s extensive audit and examination process to demonstrate FlyArystan’s adherence to domestic aviation legislation and international operational standards. 

Since its launch in 2019, FlyArystan has operated under the Air Astana AOC. Under its own AOC, FlyArystan can align operations more effectively with its low-cost carrier model and pursue additional growth opportunities. FlyArystan remains a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Air Astana Group.

Operationally, having its own AOC will enable FlyArystan to obtain its own IATA code, allowing it to expand distribution globally and partner with other airlines.

Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster said: “Since its launch five years ago, FlyArystan has grown into the market leader in Kazakhstan while stimulating the market, providing 3.6 million passengers with low-cost air travel in 2023 and expanding the fleet from four to 18 aircraft, with a further six to be delivered in 2024. This makes it the right time for FlyArystan to obtain its operator certificate, reflecting the airline’s increased size and operational complexity. It provides the regulatory framework for FlyArystan to continue to grow while pursuing opportunities for international expansion.”

About Air Astana Group

Air Astana Group operates a fleet of 50 aircraft split between Air Astana, its full-service airline that operated its inaugural flight in 2002, and FlyArystan, its low-cost airline established in 2019. 

The Group provides scheduled, point-to-point and transit, short-haul and long-haul air travel and cargo on domestic, regional and international routes across Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Far East, the Middle East, India and Europe.

BANGKOK, 5 April 2024: Korean Air has become a new customer for the A350 aircraft family following the signature of a firm order with Airbus for 33 aircraft. 

The order covers 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s.

Offering the longest range of any aircraft, the A350 will be able to operate any of the airline’s current intercontinental routes with a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft. The additional range of the A350 will also enable the carrier to evaluate new long-haul destinations.

“The A350’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it a great fit for our global network,” said Korean Air Chief Safety and Operating Officer and EVPJason Yoo. “We are confident that introducing the A350 to our fleet will drive operational efficiencies and elevate the overall travel experience for our passengers.”

The A350 Family is firmly established as the world’s long-range leader, with passenger versions able to fly up to 9,700 nm/18,000 km nonstop. Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the airframe uses 70% advanced materials such as composites, titanium, and modern aluminium alloys to create a lighter and more cost-efficient aircraft. This results in an average reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of around 25% compared with similar-sized previous-generation aircraft.

At the end of February, the A350 Family had won 1,240 orders from 59 customers worldwide.