Air Astana Finalizes Landmark Boeing 787-9 Deal to Modernize Long-Haul Fleet

Kazakhstan's flag carrier, Air Astana, has finalized a significant agreement with Boeing for up to 15 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The deal marks the airline's largest single aircraft purchase and is a crucial step in its long-term fleet modernization and expansion strategy.

The agreement converts a commitment originally made in November 2025 into a structured order. This move solidifies Air Astana's plans to upgrade its long-haul capabilities for the next decade.

Order Details and Fleet Impact

The newly finalized deal is structured to provide flexibility for future growth. According to an Air Astana press release, the agreement includes:

• Five firm orders for the Boeing 787-9.
• Five options that can be converted to firm orders later.
• Five purchase rights for additional aircraft.

These new aircraft will join a previous order for three Dreamliners, which will bring Air Astana's total B787 fleet to 18 jets. The primary mission for the new fleet will be to replace the airline's three older Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, offering significant improvements in fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. Deliveries for the newly ordered jets are scheduled to take place between 2032 and 2035.

Strategic Significance for Central Asia

This order underscores a key industry trend of fleet modernization, where airlines replace aging widebodies with new-generation models like the Dreamliner. The Boeing 787-9 offers superior operating economics, allowing airlines to reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact while opening new, long-range, point-to-point routes.

For Air Astana, this investment is pivotal to strengthening its position as a key carrier in the Central Asia and Caucasus region. The expanded fleet will enable the airline to enhance its network connecting Europe and Asia, aligning with the post-pandemic recovery and growth in international travel demand. The total value of the 18-aircraft commitment is estimated at approximately US$7 billion at current list prices, highlighting the scale of this strategic investment.

With a current group fleet of around 60 aircraft, the addition of 18 state-of-the-art widebodies represents a transformative upgrade. The Boeing 787-9, which typically seats around 290 passengers in a two-class layout, will become the flagship of Air Astana's international operations for years to come.

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