DUBAI, United Arab Emirates,
Nov. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Air
Astana intends to order 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes to serve as
the backbone of its new low-cost airline FlyArystan, the
Kazakh flag carrier and Boeing announced at the Dubai Airshow. The
companies today signed a letter of intent for the 30 airplanes with
a list price value of $3.6
billion.
Since beginning operations in May
2002, Air Astana has steadily grown its business from its
hubs in Almaty and Nur-Sultan
(formerly Astana), sprouting a network that serves major cities
across Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Asia, China,
Europe and Russia. It operates a growing fleet that
includes the Boeing 757, 767 and the Airbus A320 family.
In May, Air Astana launched FlyArystan to better compete in the
growing low-cost segment. The company says the new airline has seen
strong ticket sales in just the first few months of operation. The
plan is to expand the fast growing domestic network, with
international services to Moscow
commencing next month.
"Since its launch in May this year, FlyArystan has exceeded all
expectations and it is clear that low cost air travel has a great
future in Kazakhstan and
Central Asia," said Peter Foster, President and CEO of Air Astana.
"Air Astana has had a strong relationship with Boeing ever since
the airline started flying in 2002 with a pair of 737NGs. Today we
operate both 757s and 767s and we believe that the MAX will provide
a solid platform for the growth of FlyArystan throughout our
region, once the aircraft has successfully returned to
service".
"Air Astana has become one of the leading airlines in
Central Asia with its deep focus
on safety, reliability, efficiency and customer service. At Boeing,
we share those same values and are honored to expand our
partnership with the 737 MAX," said Stan
Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing
Commercial Airplanes. "We believe the efficiency and reliability
built into the 737 MAX will be a great fit for FlyArystan. We look
forward to working with Peter and his team finalize an agreement
that meets their fleet and operational requirements."
The 737 MAX 8 is part of a family of airplanes that offer 130 to
230 seats and the ability to fly up to 3,850 nautical miles (7,130
kilometers). With improvements such as the CFM International
LEAP-1B engine and Advanced Technology winglets, the 737 MAX
provides operators a 14% improvement over today's most efficient
single-aisle airplanes and extended range to open up new
destinations.
About Air Astana
Air Astana started regular flights 15 May
2002 and now operates on a network of 60 international and
domestic routes from hubs in Almaty and Nur-Sultan The fleet comprises 38
Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 757-200, Airbus A320/A321 (CEO/NEO/LR) and
Embraer E190/E2 aircraft. Air Astana became the first carrier from
the CIS and Eastern Europe to be
awarded a 4-star rating and the Best Airline in Central Asia and India by international ratings agency, Skytrax
in 2012 and has repeated the achievement every year through until
2019. Air Astana is a joint venture between the National Welfare
Fund of Kazakhstan "Samruk-Kazyna" and BAE Systems with respective
shares of 51% and 49%.
About Boeing:
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading
provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security
systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company
supports commercial and government customers in more than 150
countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and
leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a
legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in
technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in
its people and future growth.
Contact:
Paul
Bergman
Boeing Communications
paul.r.bergman2@boeing.com
Mobile: +1 206-724-7292
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SOURCE Boeing