Air Astana Plans Narrowbody Order With Expanded A321LR Fleet

Air Astana has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for up to 50 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft in what would be the largest order in the Kazakhstan-based airline’s history.

The commitment covers 25 firm aircraft and 25 purchase options with deliveries beginning in 2031; it reflects the carrier’s intention to further expand its use of the A321LR for medium- and long-haul growth.

The agreement includes a mix of A320neo and A321neo variants, with the bulk expected to be configured as A321LRs—an aircraft type the airline uses for flying into parts of Asia and Europe.

“Air Astana’s large order for a new fleet of Airbus A320neo family aircraft reflects a commitment to maintaining its reputation for operational efficiency and service excellence in the long term,” CEO Peter Foster says.

Air Astana introduced its first A320ceo in 2006, deploying the type on domestic routes and international services across Central Asia and the Caucasus. The first A320neo joined the fleet in November 2016, followed by the first A321LR in September 2019.

The latest MOU follows Air Astana’s recent widebody commitment, agreeing to acquire 15 additional Boeing 787-9s—including five firm aircraft for delivery between 2032 and 2035, plus five options and five purchase rights—to supplement an existing order for three 787-9s due in 2026-27. The 787s are intended to replace the airline’s aging 767s and support future long-haul expansion.

In the first half of 2025, Air Astana increased capacity by 17.8% year-on-year and launched 20 new routes, despite facing operational headwinds linked to Middle East and India airspace restrictions. Foster said China, the Caucasus, India and Saudi Arabia have emerged as “primary growth markets,” with traffic flows through the airline’s sixth-freedom connecting network up 30% in the first six months of 2025.

The group now operates 61 aircraft—34 with Air Astana and 27 with LCC FlyArystan—consisting entirely of A320-family aircraft and 767s. The retirement of its final Embraer E2 in May marked the end of a multiyear transition plan. The carrier also recently finished modifying six A321LRs with additional fuel tanks to support longer sectors.

The fleet investments come as Air Astana prepares for a leadership transition. Foster, who has led the airline since 2005, will retire on March 31, 2026. CFO Ibrahim Canliel, who has been with the group since 2003, will succeed him.