Air Astana signs JV with China Southern Airlines

Air Astana has signed a joint venture (JV) agreement with China Southern Airlines to strengthen air connectivity between Kazakhstan and China. The agreement marks the first airline joint venture between the two countries, building on the airlines’ established codeshare partnership and creating a platform for deeper commercial cooperation. Under the agreement, the two airlines will work together to coordinate flight schedules, expand codeshare services and undertake joint marketing initiatives. By bringing their respective networks and commercial frameworks closer together, the partnership aims to make journeys across both airlines more straightforward, with more consistent conditions of travel, smoother transfers and greater access to destinations across Kazakhstan, China and beyond. “The number of flights between our countries has increased by 52 per cent compared with the same period in 2025 (117 scheduled flights per week across 21 routes). Since the start of 2026, more than one million passengers have been carried. The Ministry plans to further expand the route network with China, increasing it to 30 destinations,” said Talgat Lastaev, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan. “China is a strategically important market for Air Astana, and Kazakhstan is well positioned as a gateway connecting Europe and Asia. Our joint venture with China Southern Airlines represents an important step in developing this role and deepening our commercial relationship with one of China’s leading carriers. By combining our complementary networks and aligning key aspects of our commercial offering, we aim to provide passengers with greater choice, more convenient connections and more consistent conditions and rules across both airlines. At the same time, closer cooperation will enable us to respond more effectively to passenger demand and support the continued growth of air travel between Kazakhstan and China,” said Richard Ledger, VP, Partnerships and Alliances of Air Astana. Zeng Yongchao, EVP of China Southern Airlines stated: “China and Kazakhstan are important partners under the Belt and Road framework. This joint venture is a substantive achievement in aviation connectivity between the two countries and reflects our shared aspiration for a prosperous regional market. For both airlines, this is a strategic choice that leverages our respective strengths and shares resources. For passengers, the most tangible benefit is greater convenience: more flight options, smoother transfer procedures, and a more seamless travel experience. We hope every passenger journeying along the Belt and Road’s air routes will feel the difference this cooperation brings.” Air Astana operates flights from Astana and Almaty to Urumqi, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, offering up to 36 weekly regular return flights during the peak season. China Southern Airlines operates flights from Urumqi, Beijing, Guangzhou and Xi’an to Almaty and Astana, offering up to 29 weekly regular return flights during the peak season. Together, the airlines provide an extensive network of services between the two countries, creating a strong foundation for further improvements in connectivity, travel convenience and passenger choice. Air Astana launches high-speed in-flight Wi-FI Air Astana has begun equipping its Airbus A321LR aircraft with high-speed satellite Wi-Fi. The project has been launched in partnership with SES, a global satellite communications provider, with the equipment being installed at the airline’s own technical facility. The first Airbus A321LR equipped with high-speed satellite Wi-Fi operated its first flight with internet access on board on the Almaty–Tashkent route today. The project has been implemented with the support of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan. “Over the past year, significant work has been undertaken to establish the regulatory framework for introducing satellite internet connectivity on aircraft. Together with international partners, satellite operators and relevant organisations, we have addressed the requirements for using non-geostationary satellite systems in aviation. This has paved the way for the practical implementation of the technology. The first Air Astana aircraft equipped with satellite connectivity is a tangible result of this work. We will continue to expand access to high-quality internet so that people can stay connected while travelling, including by train and by air,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. “High-speed Wi-Fi will make flights more comfortable, allowing our passengers to stay connected and use the internet in the air. At the same time, having the equipment installed by our own technical specialists enhances further development of Air Astana’s in-house engineering expertise. We thank the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and the Ministry of Transport for their support in introducing satellite internet in aviation,” said Ibrahim Canliel, CEO of Air Astana. All passengers will have free access to the internet during the introductory period till 31 January 2027. From 1 February 2027, complimentary Wi-Fi access will be available to Business Class passengers and Nomad Club members with Gold and Diamond status. Nomad Club members of all tiers will be able to use onboard messaging services free of charge, while other passengers will be able to purchase internet packages. The rollout of high-speed Wi-Fi across the Airbus A321LR fleet will continue in phases throughout 2027. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]