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Air Astana releases financials for Q1-2025
Central Asia’s largest airline group Air Astana JSC and its subsidiary FlyArystan has released its financial results for the quarter which ended on 31st March. What was particularly notable was that Air Astana registered strong revenue and EBITDAR growth in a season that is traditionally seen as a weak one. Indeed, the airline group’s total revenue and other income rose by 10.4 percent to US$292.4 million compared to where it was in the same period in 2024. Likewise, EBITDAR increased 37.1 percent to US$59.9 million, significantly higher than the US$43.7 million seen at the end of Q1-2024. EBITDAR margin improved by 4.0pp to 20.5 percent, while ASK went up 13.5 percent to 4.7 billion, and RPK increased 13.9 percent to 3.8 billion. At the same time, unit revenues continue to be managed ahead of unit costs, extending the positive trend from Q4-2024 despite the seasonally weaker quarter. Seasonal effects RASK decreased 2.7 percent to US$6.23¢, partly because of fare increases which were made to reflect the Tenge depreciation, being phased in during the first quarter though the full effect of fare adjustments will be recognised from Q2 onwards. In addition, the quieter Ramadan period fell entirely in Q1 this year and, thus, will have no effect on financials in the ongoing second quarter. CASK went down by 5.7 percent to US$6.09¢, driven primarily by lower fuel costs and the reduction in Tenge denominated costs. However, group passengers carried aboard were up 7.1 percent, closing at two million at the end of the first quarter, 0.3pp improvement in average load factor to 81.5 percent. A positive beginning Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster remarked that the findings show how the airline had a positive start to 2025, spurred on by the addition of popular new routes, increased carrying capacity, and improved profitability. Foster declared: “These results were achieved despite the Tenge depreciation and earlier Ramadan this year, driven by particularly strong international growth across key markets in Asia. Our network is growing with 15 new routes launched in 2025 to several popular business and lifestyle destinations. These flights have been added where demand is strongest, building on the 21 new routes launched last year across growth regions such as Vietnam and the Gulf. We are also improving connectivity with the two global mega markets on our doorstep.” Foster further pointed out that the airline commemorated two decades of service between Kazakhstan and India with the launch of a new service from Almaty to Mumbai, India’s commercial capital. For May 2025, Air Astana is slated to add Yining as its fifth destination in China. Foster said: “The MoU signed with China Southern Airlines for a comprehensive set of codeshares, creates additional opportunities for tourism, business cooperation, and enhanced cultural ties between Kazakhstan and China, and will strengthen our foothold in this important mega market and be a growth driver for Air Astana.” Furthermore, Air Astana has expanded its fleet to 60 units, thanks to the delivery of five A320 family aircraft at the beginning of this year. Likewise, two of the three remaining E2s have now been phased out, largely concluding the airline’s fleet simplification plan.
Air Astana to introduce direct Western Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan flights next month
Air Astana will commence a new direct route between Atyrau in western Kazakhstan to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan on 31st May. The new service operates thrice weekly utilising Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The new route from Atyrau to Baku will complement the airline's existing flights from Almaty to Baku, which operate three times a week during the summer season. The network expansion will open up more opportunities for leisure and business trips between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Flight schedules from 31st May Flight KC277 will depart from Atyrau on Mondays and Saturdays at 18:30, arriving in Baku at 18:55, and on Wednesdays at 21:35, arriving at 22:00. The return flight KC278 from Baku to Atyrau will operate on Mondays and Saturdays, departing at 19:55 and arriving at 22:30, and on Wednesdays, departing at 23:00 and arriving at 01:35 the next day. Flight time runs for one hour and 25 minutes, while the return flight goes for one hour and 35 minutes.
Air Astana honoured for excellence of inflight service in Germany
Air Astana received several awards for inflight service excellence during Aircraft Interiors Expo 2025 held in Hamburg from 8th to 10th April. Among these were the prestigious Travel Plus, Onboard Hospitality, and PAX International Readership Awards, with multiple accolades across several categories. According to airline vice-president of inflight services Yelena Obukhova: “These prestigious awards reflect the strong international recognition of our onboard product. We take pride in consistently meeting global standards while shaping a uniquely Kazakh approach to hospitality.” Outstanding amenities The airline received the Travel Plus Gold Award for its Economy Class amenity kit, bedding collection, and infant kit. The Onboard Hospitality Awards jury gave top marks to Air Astana’s baby kits for children under two, Economy Class amenity kits, and its digital menu. Air Astana was also named a winner at the PAX Readership Awards in the following categories: Best Inflight Entertainment, Best Onboard Catering, Best Economy and Premium Economy Amenity Kits, and Best Kids’ Kit. International awards in onboard services are considered an independent benchmark of quality in the air travel industry. Airline products undergo rigorous evaluation by focus groups made up of experienced travelers with a deep understanding of passenger needs who evaluate functionality, design, comfort, and sustainability. These awards highlight Air Astana’s commitment to excellence and customer-centric service.
Air Astana Group strengthens regulations on transport of lithium batteries
As of Thursday, 13th March, the Air Astana Group has amped up its regulations regarding the safe transport of lithium batteries and battery-powered devices in flight. The Group’s existing policy requires that spare batteries, including power banks and electronic smoking devices, are only permitted in carry-on baggage. If a passenger’s carry-on baggage needs to be checked-in, all spare batteries held within need to be removed in advance. Also, in accordance with existing rules, the maximum allowable battery capacity is 100Wh. Batteries with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh may only be transported with prior airline approval, with a limit of two per passenger. The transport of batteries exceeding 160Wh is prohibited, and each battery’s capacity will be verified beforehand. The transportation of batteries without capacity markings or proper certification is prohibited. For flight safety reasons, lithium batteries, external batteries, and electronic smoking devices must be kept in hand luggage and placed on the luggage racks in the cabin. The use of batteries to charge other devices, as well as charging the batteries themselves on board is strictly prohibited. The Group advises those flying aboard Air Astana and FlyArystan to review the battery transport regulations posted on the official airline websites prior to their flights.
Air Astana increases fleet with 35 new aircraft
The Air Astana Group announced that its fleet has grown to 60 aircraft following the arrival of a new Airbus A320neo in Almaty today, 6th March. Full-service carrier Air Astana now has a fleet of 35 aircraft, while low-cost carrier FlyArystan operates 25. Both carriers in the Group have grown rapidly with an increasing number of the latest generation Airbus A321LR and Airbus A320neo aircraft at the forefront of Air Astana’s network expansion to destinations across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. On the other hand, FlyArystan continues to boost low-cost services throughout Kazakhstan and Central Asia, together with an increasing number of longer-range flights to Georgia, China, and the Middle East. Air Astana Group chief executive Peter Foster said: “Expanding our fleet to 60 aircraft is a significant milestone for Air Astana Group and an important step towards accomplishing our strategic plans. We will continue to invest in modern aircraft and expand our route network, offering passengers even more opportunities for convenient and affordable travel both within the region and beyond”. The Air Astana Group fleet is destined to expand further over the next few years, possibly reaching a total of 80 aircraft by 2028.
Air Astana’s direct Almaty – Da Nang route takes off in June
Air Astana announced the launch of a new direct route from Almaty to Da Nang in Vietnam. Slated to take off beginning 4th June, the service will be operated twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays via Airbus A321LR aircraft. The launch of this new twice weekly service will increase the number of Air Astana scheduled flights to Vietnam to nine, with existing operations including four flights a week between Almaty and Nha Trang, plus three flights per week between Astana and Nha Trang. In addition, the seasonal route from Almaty and Astana to Phu Quoc will continue to operate until 31st March. Relevant details With a flying time of 7 hours 10 mins between Almaty and Da Nang, flight KC599 will depart Almaty at 00.55 and arrive in Da Nang at 10.05, with the return flight, KC600 departing Da Nang at 11.45 and arriving in Almaty 17.00. Round-trip fares, inclusive of all taxes and fees, start from US$717 in Economy Class and from US$1,991 in Business Class. Tickets are available for purchase on the airline’s website or through authorised travel agencies. Please note that Kazakh citizens can stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days.
Air Astana launches new direct flights from Western Kazakhstan
Air Astana is set to launch direct flights from Atyrau in Western Kazakhstan to Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi from 27th May. These new service will be flown thrice a week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays aboard Airbus family aircraft. At present, the airline already offers scheduled flights from Atyrau to Istanbul, Dubai, and Amsterdam. Relevant details With a flying time of 1 hour 50 mins between Atyrau and Tbilisi, flight KC125 will depart Atyrau at 08:00 and arrive in Tbilisi at 08:50, with the return flight, KC126 departing Tbilisi and arriving in Atyrau at 12:40; all times are local. Round-trip fares, inclusive of all taxes and fees, start from US$213 in Economy Class and from US$587 in Business Class. Tickets are available for purchase on the airline’s website or through authorised travel agencies. The launch of the new route will bring the summer schedule frequency to Tbilisi up to 15 weekly flights, with departures from three cities in Kazakhstan: nine flights per week from Almaty and three weekly flights each from Astana and Atyrau. Kazakhstani citizens can stay in Georgia visa-free for up to one year. Air Astana continues to enhance international connectivity from other regional cities, including scheduled flights from Shymkent to Jeddah and Medina, and charter flights to Doha.
Air Astana joins IATA CO2 Connect
Kazakhstan's flag-carrier Air Astana recently became the first airline in Central Asia / CIS to join the International Air Transport Association (IATA) CO2 Connect initiative. By doing so, the airline has set a new benchmark for sustainability in the region. Air Astana chief executive Peter Foster said: “Aviation’s future relies on collective efforts to address climate challenges. As a member of IATA CO2 Connect, we are proud to collaborate with global airlines to drive meaningful change.” What does this mean for the airline? IATA’s CO2 Connect project aims to measure emissions by collecting accurate, route-specific data based on operational information from airlines. Aside from Air Astana, there are already 50 other airlines who have joined IATA CO2 Connect These provide actual operational data to enhance the accuracy of CO2 emissions calculations, thus contributing to the industry’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050. Air Astana’s participation in IATA CO2 Connect underscores the airline’s determination to drive environmental progress in aviation regionally and globally. Indeed, the airline continues to implement innovative practices, enhance transparency, and contribute to the collective responsibility for a sustainable future in the aviation industry.
Air Astana launches nonstop flights between Almaty and Mumbai
Air Astana is celebrating 20 years of connecting Kazakhstan and India by expanding its services with the launch of a new direct route between Almaty and Mumbai, set to commence on April 20, 2025. The airline has announced that flights to Mumbai will be operated using Airbus family aircraft, with three weekly services scheduled on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Economy class return fares, including taxes, will start at US$406, while Business class return fares will be available from USD 1,136. Peter Foster, Chief Executive of Air Astana, expressed enthusiasm about the new route, stating, “With the Indian economy growing strongly, Air Astana is delighted to launch services to Mumbai, a vibrant and flourishing metropolis driven by trade, finance and enterprise. Business and leisure travellers will now be able to experience the excellence of Air Astana’s in-services when flying between Kazakhstan’s and India’s most commercial cities.” This new service is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between the two nations, providing seamless travel options for both leisure and business travellers. With Mumbai serving as a major financial and cultural hub, the expansion is set to strengthen Air Astana’s presence in India, complementing its existing flights between New Delhi and Almaty.
Air Astana continues fleet expansion with new Airbus A320neo
Air Astana’s new Airbus A320neo aircraft arrived in Almaty yesterday, 29th January from the Airbus manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France. The newly delivered aircraft is the tenth Airbus A320neo to enter the Air Astana Group fleet, which currently comprises 58 aircraft, predominantly from the Airbus family. The aircraft features a two-class cabin configuration, with 16 business class seats and 132 economy class seats. Despite global challenges in the aviation industry and disruptions in global supply chains, Air Astana continues to successfully expand its fleet with new aircraft from leading global manufacturers. This fleet expansion aligns with Air Astana’s development strategy, which focuses on expanding its network, improving operational efficiency, and achieving sustainable growth.
Air Astana
Air Astana, Nazarbayev Avenue, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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