# Kazakh authorities cut country’s fleet growth forecast by 25%

*31 August 2026 · CentralAsia+Aero*

**National carriers now expected to operate 160 aircraft by 2030**

The Government of Kazakhstan has reduced its civil aviation fleet growth forecast through 2030 by a quarter. According to an analytical review published on the government's website in late August, local airlines will increase their active fleet from the current 111 aircraft to 160 units by the end of the decade. A year ago, the government estimated that the Central Asian republic’s fleet would [expand to 216 aircraft](https://t.me/centralasiaplusaero/2187) within the same timeframe.

Under current official plans, six more aircraft are set to be delivered to the country in 2026. Four of these will go to the flag carrier Air Astana—likely the airline's first two long-haul Boeing 787-9s alongside two narrowbody Airbus A320-family aircraft. The remaining two deliveries will be the initial Boeing 737 MAX jets for [Vietjet Qazaqstan](https://centralasiaplus.aero/2025/11/30/vietjet-qazaqstan-plans-to-introduce-20-boeing-737max-aircraft-over-four-years/).

According to the government forecast, Kazakhstan’s commercial fleet is slated to add 11 aircraft in 2027, 10 in 2028, 9 in 2029, and 13 in 2030.

Based on previously announced schedules, Air Astana expects its third Boeing 787-9 in 2027, while SCAT and Vietjet Qazaqstan are scheduled to [receive six](https://centralasiaplus.aero/2026/07/31/kazakhstans-scat-airlines-to-receive-two-additional-boeing-737-max-jets/) and four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, respectively. In 2028, SCAT plans to take delivery of five additional Boeing 737 MAXs, while Vietjet Qazaqstan expects six. The latter carrier also anticipates eight more Boeing 737 MAX deliveries in 2029.

Earlier this year, Air Astana placed firm orders for 25 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft and [15 Boeing 787-9s](https://centralasiaplus.aero/2026/02/18/kazakhstans-air-astana-finalizes-largest-ever-order-for-boeing-787-9s/). However, deliveries under these commitments will only commence after 2030.

Meanwhile, neighboring Uzbekistan is poised to become Central Asia's largest civil aviation market by fleet size as early as the end of this year. Uzbek authorities previously stated that national carriers would [expand their combined fleet to 120 aircraft](https://t.me/centralasiaplusaero/2499) by that time.

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Source: https://centralasiaplus.aero/2026/08/31/kazakh-authorities-cut-countrys-fleet-growth-forecast-by-25/