Aeroplanes of the Future
In the future, what kind of aircraft will Kazakhstani people travel in? What are the main features of Air Astana's new generation of aircraft? In this article we take a look at our new fleet.
On 15 May 2002, Air Astana launched flights between Astana and Almaty.
Our first aircraft was a Boeing 737 NG. Since then our fleet has expanded to 33 aircraft, including Boeing 767s, Boeing 757s, Airbus A320s, Airbus A321s, Airbus A320neos, Airbus A321neos and Embraer 190s. Their average age
is eight years, making our fleet one of the youngest in the world. Most of our aircraft have been delivered direct from the manufacturer. The fleet is constantly being modernised, and our most recent models have been designed with the use of new composite materials and technology that increase their flight range and reduce fuel consumption, which means not only a reduction in costs, but also a significant reduction of harmful emissions released into the atmosphere.
Boeing 767-300 er
In 2012 Air Astana signed an agreement for the purchase of three Boeing 767-300ERS, to be delivered in 2013 and 2014. They replaced the previous model of the same aircraft that we flew on operating leases. The new models are a considerable improvement. Each is equipped with more powerful Pratt & Whitney engines providing more
than 27 tonnes of thrust. The flight range of the Boeing 767-300 is up to 10,550 km at a speed of around 900 km/h.
This type of aircraft can carry 38 tonnes of payload and its weight on takeoff can be up to 181 tonnes. The cabin is equipped with 30 Business Class flat bed seats and 193 Economy Class seats, all with personal entertainment systems. The Boeing 767-300 operates long-haul flights.
The Boeing 767s are very popular with our passengers thanks to their comfortable cabins equipped with individual screens. These aircraft offer
Air Astana’s best Business Class seats as they convert so easily into beds.
Airbus A320neo
Another of Air Astana’s new model of aircraft is the Airbus A320neo, a new generation of aircraft that has the prefix ‘neo’ because of its improved characteristics. Neo stands for New Engine Option. These aircraft are equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines and special wingtips that reduce fuel consumption by 15% in comparison with previous models. The А320neo is the quietest aircraft in its class and provides a comfortable cabin with spacious overhead lockers and a new LED lighting system.
When the first Airbus A320neo joined our fleet in 2016 it was the first representative of its class in Central Asia and the CIS. By 2020 there will be 17 Airbus A320neos in our fleet, with all of them having been delivered direct from the manufacturers.
Airbus A321neo
The Airbus A321neo operate longer flights than the Airbus A320neos. At a cruising speed of
835 km/h they cover a distance of 6,500 km. The A321neos have two-class cabins with 28 seats in Business Class and 151 in Economy.
All seats have personal monitors with individual entertainment systems and innovative Recaro seats with adjustable headrests.
Airbus A321neo Lr
As part of its fleet upgrade programme, Air Astana is planning to phase out the Boeing 757-200s and replace them with the new Airbus A321neolr. LR stands for Longer Range. It has an increased maximum takeoff weight of 97 tonnes and two additional fuel tanks that increase the flight range up to 7,400 km versus the 6,850 km of the A321neo. This provides the airline with new opportunities for long-haul flights. With the new Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo and Airbus A321neolr,
Air Astana will become one of the largest operators of this type of aircraft in Central Asia and the CIS.
embraer 190-e2
In 2017, Air Astana signed an agreement for the purchase of five Embraer E190-E2S on long-term leases. The first of these new aircraft will be delivered this autumn. The Embraer E190-E2 is the second generation of this type of aircraft. Embraer have changed the construction of the fuselage and improved the aerodynamics and the design of the wings.
“The acquisition of the E2 is the logical replacement of the E190, which we have been successfully operating since 2011. The E190 has enabled us to open up smaller markets in southern Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia including smaller domestic routes. As domestic and regional competition grows, we estimate the E2 will deliver up to 15% seat cost savings, which will enable us to increase capacity and market share on these routes and maintain our position as the region’s leading airline”, says Peter Foster, President and CEO of Air Astana.