Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, is launching a significant expansion of its long-haul fleet with a new order for up to 15 B-787/9 Dreamliner aircraft. This is the airline’s largest-ever order, composed of five firm orders, five options and five purchase rights. The air company has obtained approval from the board of directors and is now completing the final necessary procedures.

This order is in addition to the three B-787/9 already scheduled for delivery in 2026/27, bringing the total commitments to 18 units. The newly ordered airplanes will be delivered between 2032 and 2035. The total value of the 18 B-787/9 fleet, including engines, is USD7 billion, according to manufacturer list prices.

Air Astana has a long history of operations with Boeing aircraft: the initial fleet in 2002 included B-737/700/800 for domestic and regional flights in Central Asia, followed in 2003 by the introduction of the B-757/200 for long-haul flights to Asia and Europe. Although the B-737s and B-757s were retired in 2007 and 2020 respectively, the airline received three new B-767/300ER in 2013, which continue to be employed on long-haul international routes and on high-density domestic routes.