Air Astana targets 2027 entry into service for all three 787-9s

Image: Air Astana

Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana expects to receive the first of three leased Boeing 787-9s by year-end and to place all three widebody long-haul aircraft into service during 2027, the airline said.

Boeing is completing the required certification work ahead of delivery of the first aircraft, which is undergoing factory flight testing. The aircraft, registration EI-KZA, operated its first test flight on 1 October in Charleston, South Carolina, home to one of Boeing’s production facilities.

Air Astana signed a lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation in 2022 for three Dreamliners. The 787s will progressively replace an equal number of ageing Boeing 767-300ERs.

Earlier this year, Air Astana and Boeing also formally confirmed the finalization of an agreement covering up to 15 787-9s. The deal comprises five firm orders, five options and five purchase rights, and represents the largest single aircraft acquisition in Air Astana’s history. Deliveries are scheduled between 2032 and 2035.