BAE Systems selling stake in Air Astana

BAE Systems said it ​will sell its remaining stake in ‌Kazakhstan’s Air Astana. The company owns a 6.9% stake worth about $31 million ​based on the placing price of $5.10 ​per global depositary receipt in the carrier, according to Reuters. ⁠In December 2025 BAE had disposed of ​a 10.1% stake. BAE did not disclose when the stake will be sold. Air Astana said in a statement that it noted “the announcement that BAE Systems plan to sell their remaining holding in the company. We would refer to their public disclosures for further details of the transaction. BAE Systems has been a key partner of Air Astana since our inception. The company was formed as a joint venture between the Kazakhstan State and BAE Systems in 2001. BAE Systems reduced their holding to 16.95% as part of the Air Astana’s IPO in 2024 and sold a further 10.1% stake in December 2025. “We recognise that Air Astana was no longer a core holding in the context of their wider operations and we look forward to welcoming new shareholders to the group at this exciting point in our development. We also note the increase to our free float as a function of the sale,” Air Astana said. Air Astana recently reported results for the full year showing total revenue increased 11.4% to USD1,453.9m and EBITDAR increased 0.8% to USD321.2m (22.1% margin). BAE, focused on fighter jets and submarines, invested ​under $10 million ​in 2001 ⁠to back Air Astana’s launch, at a time when it ​was pursuing a radar systems deal ​in ⁠Kazakhstan. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]