| | | |

Qazaq Air Welcomes New Owners and Expansion Plans

Qazaq Air, a regional airline based in Kazakhstan, has announced the arrival of new ownership following the sale of a 51% stake by the national welfare fund Samruk-Kazyna. The new majority stakeholders include Sovico Group from Vietnam and Kazasia Holdings from Kazakhstan. This pivotal move marks a significant milestone in the airline’s growth and expansion strategy.

|

FlyArystan to Operate Under Own Certificate Starting January 2025

FlyArystan (Kazakhstan) is set to make a pivotal transition in its operations by moving to its own operator certificatestarting 1 January 2025. This significant change will see the airline fully separating its operational framework from its parent company, Air Astana Group, while maintaining collaborative agreements.

| | | | |

FlyArystan to Expand A320 Fleet Amid Engine Issues

FlyArystan, the low-cost airline based in Kazakhstan, continues its fleet expansion with the planned delivery of two additional A320 aircraft in the first quarter of 2025. These new aircraft will bolster the carrier’s growing operations across the region, building on the existing fleet that has faced challenges related to A320neo engine issues.

| | |

AZAL E190 Crash Lands in Aktau with 67 Onboard

A tragic incident occurred involving an AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190, serial 19000630, which was diverted to Aktau and crash-landed with 67 people onboard. The accident resulted in 28 survivors, while the aircraft was completely destroyed. A criminal investigation has been launched to examine the presence of shrapnel damage, which is believed to have contributed to the incident.

| | |

Aeroflot to Deploy Airbus A350-900 on Moscow-Almaty Route

Aeroflot, Russia’s flagship carrier, has announced its intention to deploy the Airbus A350-900 on the route between Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport and Almaty, Kazakhstan, starting 30 March 2025. This marks a significant upgrade in capacity and passenger comfort for this popular regional route.

|

FlyArystan Initiates Audit Following Discovery of Fund Mismanagement

FlyArystan, Kazakhstan’s first low-cost carrier, has initiated an independent investigation into financial irregularities after its management uncovered evidence of fund theft. The airline has contacted an external audit company to carry out a comprehensive review and provide clarity on the situation.

| | | |

Comac Eyes International Airlines for C919 Jet

Comac (China) is actively reaching out to international airlines as it seeks to establish a global foothold for its C919 jet, a narrow-body aircraft developed to compete with Boeing and Airbus. The company is targeting carriers in regions ranging from Indonesia to Kazakhstan, signaling a strategic push to expand beyond China’s domestic market.

| |

Air Astana Buys Back 4.1 Million Shares in November 2024

Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national airline, has announced the buyback of 4.1 million shares and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) in November 2024. The transaction, valued at $11.9 million, is part of the airline’s ongoing strategy to manage its financial structure and enhance shareholder value.

| |

Air Astana to Launch Direct Astana-Phu Quoc Flights in December

Air Astana, the national airline of Kazakhstan, has announced the launch of direct flights from Astana to Phu Quoc, Vietnam, scheduled to commence on December 3, 2024. The service will be operated by the Airbus A321LR, an extended-range variant designed to provide greater efficiency and comfort on longer routes. This new route marks Air Astana’s continued expansion into Southeast Asia, catering to both leisure…