New aircraft on order, product enhancements and route expansion – with a major focus on Asia – are pushing Kazakhstan’s Air Astana towards its target of 63 aircraft and a strong network supported by hubs in key destinations.
Air Astana achieved record growth during 2007, with available seat kilometers up by 42 percent to 6.5 billion compared to 2006. Passengers carried increased by 46 percent to 2.13 million. “Air Astana is entering into an exciting new era of development to match strong traffic growth demands from the dynamic Kazakh economy,” said Peter Foster, president of Air Astana.
Foster has had a distinguished career in aviation. He served in a variety of management and senior management positions with Cathay Pacific, both in Hong Kong and overseas, and was a chief advisor to Philippine Airlines during its restructuring.
Foster was appointed CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines in July 2002, a position he held until October 2005 when he was appointed president of Air Astana.
Foster said Kazakhshan’s GDP growth of 9.5 percent was being fuelled by oil, gas and minerals, producing an economic fillip for the country and spin-off benefits for the national carrier.
“We are getting greater acceptance as a western-style airline operation,” Foster added.
Currently Astana flies to three destinations in Asia – Beijing, Bangkok and Seoul – and is looking to develop hub operations from these cities. It sees
Bangkok as a conduit to Australia, and Seoul as a hub for North Asia.
New destinations for Astana have yet to be confirmed but Foster admits, “We are looking at Hong Kong - which would be extremely good for launching services into China - and Singapore.”
Air Astana recently appointed Pacific Aviation Marketing (HK) Ltd as GSA in Hong Kong and Macau.
Foster said Bangkok has been “a revelation” with Thailand proving a popular winter leisure destination for Kazakhs. Astana currently flies three times a week to Bangkok but hopes to have a daily service next year.
Air Astana recently signed firm orders for three Boeing 787-8s plus purchase rights for three additional aircraft, together with firm orders for six Airbus A320s with options for three additional aircraft.
Air Astana, a joint venture between Samruk State Holding and BAE Systems, currently operates a network that serves 25 domestic and 21 international destinations.
Achievements during 2007 included the launch of the Nomad Club frequent flyer programme, online seat booking and full e-ticketing availability on most routes.
