Air Astana has announced a major expansion of its long-haul fleet with an order for up to 15 Boeing 787-9s, marking the largest aircraft commitment in the airline’s history.
SEE Air Astana Safety, Product and Environmental Rankings
The agreement covers five firm orders, five options, and five purchase rights. Board approval has been secured, with final procedural steps now underway. Deliveries of the newly ordered aircraft are scheduled between 2032 and 2035.
The deal is in addition to three Boeing 787-9s already scheduled for delivery in 2026–2027, bringing Air Astana’s total 787 commitments to 18 aircraft. Based on Boeing’s list prices, the total value of the programme, including engines, is estimated at US $7 billion.
“Air Astana is strategically committed to boosting its service capabilities from Central Asia and the Caucasus to Asia, Europe and the rest of the world over the next decade,” said Peter Foster, President and CEO of Air Astana. “With its customer-friendly cabin, fuel efficiency and range flexibility, the fleet of up to 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft is destined to become an outstanding success with the airline and its discerning passengers.”
The new long-range aircraft will form the backbone of Air Astana’s future intercontinental operations, supporting expansion plans across key markets in Asia and Europe.
Air Astana’s relationship with Boeing dates back to its launch in 2002, when the carrier operated Boeing 737-700/800s on regional routes and Boeing 757-200s on longer sectors. While both types have since been retired, Air Astana continues to operate three Boeing 767-300ERs delivered in 2013, which remain central to its long-haul and high-density domestic network.
The arrival of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in 2026 will mark the beginning of what the airline describes as a “transformative decade” for its international growth.
