Air Astana adds Vietnam route, inducts new plane

Air Astana will launch a new service from Almaty to Phu Quoc in Vietnam on 28 October 2024. Direct flights operated by Airbus A321LR aircraft will initially serve the route twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays, with frequencies set to increase to four times a week in December. Flights will depart from Almaty 22:45 and arrive in Phu Quoc at 08:15, with return flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays departing Phu Quoc at 09:45 and arriving in Almaty at 15:50. All times local. Air Astana also announced it has taken delivery of an Airbus A320neo, bringing the group’s fleet up to 56 aircraft. There are now 50 Airbus family aircraft in the Air Astana Group fleet, with another two scheduled for delivery before the end of the year. The newly delivered Airbus A320neo is configured with 16 Business Class seats and 132 Economy Class seats. “Air Astana Group is in the midst of an exciting new phase of development, with international and domestic passenger traffic growing significantly,” said Peter Foster, Chief Executive Officer. “The Airbus A320 family of aircraft has proven to be an outstanding success in service with both Air Astana and FlyArystan, with the fleet destined to continue rapidly expanding over the next few years.” The group’s fleet size is expanding ahead of schedule, growing from 49 aircraft at the end of 2023 to 56 aircraft as of today. This proactive capacity addition with Airbus aircraft aims to mitigate Pratt & Whitney engine issues, optimise the group’s network and its growth strategy. By the end of 2028, the Group’s overall fleet is planned to reach 80 aircraft, predominantly comprising Airbus family types. In line with Air Astana Group’s strategic goals of reducing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency, the new Airbus aircraft joining the fleet feature advanced technologies that reduce emissions, lower noise levels, and minimise fuel burn, while delivering increased range. These aircraft will play a crucial role in supporting the group’s commitment to sustainability, providing a greener, more efficient fleet for the future. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]