Air Astana to finance purchase of up to 15 Boeing 787-9s through ExIm

Image: Boeing

Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, signed a preliminary agreement with Boeing for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This is the largest-ever commitment by the airline, comprising five firmed positions, five options, and five purchase rights.

Air Astana intends to purchase the aircraft rather than lease them. Financing is planned through ExIm Bank, as it did with its Boeing 767’s.

“The cost analysis conducted demonstrates the benefit of the purchase compared to an operating lease,” the airline said in a statement.

This order complements a previously signed agreement for three 787-9s, scheduled for delivery in 2026-2027.

The aircraft under new order are expected to arrive between 2032 and 2035.

The total list price of the fleet of 18 Boeing 787-9s (including engines) is US$7 billion.

Air Astana needs modern widebody long-haul aircraft to maintain its position as the leading carrier in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Its main regional competitor, Uzbekistan Airways, the national carrier of Uzbekistan, has a firm order for 22 Boeing 787-9s, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2031.