Air Astana Shareholders Approve Order for 5 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

Air Astana’s shareholders have formally approved a major aircraft acquisition with a firm order for five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, alongside five additional options and five purchase rights, reinforcing the Kazakh flag carrier’s long-haul fleet strategy.

During an Extraordinary General Meeting held on January 15, 2026, shareholders voted to conclude the transaction with Boeing for Boeing 787-9 type aircraft. The resolution authorises Air Astana’s executive leadership to proceed with the agreement, with deliveries scheduled between 2032 and 2035. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The order, originally placed in November 2025, is part of Air Astana’s broader fleet modernisation and growth ambitions following its expansion into medium- and long-haul markets. The 787-9, a long-range widebody aircraft, offers improved fuel efficiency, range performance and passenger comfort — attributes that support the airline’s intent to deepen international services across Eurasia and beyond. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Alongside the five firm Dreamliners, the inclusion of options and purchase rights provides Air Astana with flexibility to scale its widebody fleet in response to market conditions and future network development. The total order footprint — especially when combined with previously arranged 787-9 deliveries via lease — could see Air Astana operating a larger complement of Dreamliners that underpin intercontinental services. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Air Astana has historically relied on Airbus narrowbodies and a handful of Boeing 767 widebodies for its network linking Central Asia with Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The 787-9 order signals a strategic shift towards extended-range operations that could unlock new direct routes and strengthen competitiveness against regional and Gulf carriers. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Fleet planners at Air Astana view the 787-9 Dreamliner as a cornerstone platform capable of connecting Kazakhstan with distant markets while offering lower operating costs per seat compared to legacy widebodies. This aligns with broader industry trends where modern twin-engine jets underpin network expansion on long-haul sectors. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

The approval came against a backdrop of strong financial performance for Air Astana in recent periods, with revenue and capacity growth underpinning sustained investment in fleet renewal. Although the 787 deliveries are several years away, the carrier’s long-term planning reflects anticipation of rising demand and enhanced service expectations on international corridors. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

For stakeholders including global airline partners, regulators and airport operators, Air Astana’s 787-9 order reinforces Central Asia’s emerging role in international aviation connectivity. The Dreamliner platform’s capabilities are expected to broaden Kazakhstan’s access to distant markets and support more efficient network design over the next decade. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}