Boeing and Air Astana have solidified a landmark deal, with the Kazakh flag carrier finalizing an order for up to 15 787 Dreamliner jets. The agreement, which converts a previous commitment announced in November 2025, represents the largest single airplane purchase in the airline’s history and signals a significant expansion of its widebody capabilities.
The order specifically covers the 787-9 variant, the midsize member of the Dreamliner family known for its exceptional fuel efficiency and range. These new aircraft will play a crucial role in modernizing Air Astana’s long-haul fleet, allowing the carrier to retire older models and optimize its network economics. The advanced composite structure and modern engines of the 787-9 are expected to deliver a substantial reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to the aircraft they replace.
Beyond the direct order, Air Astana’s strategic expansion plan includes three additional 787-9s to be sourced through lessors. This comprehensive fleet growth strategy will ultimately see the airline’s Dreamliner fleet expand to as many as 18 aircraft. This influx of new widebody jets is designed to dramatically enhance the airline’s operational reach, enabling it to launch new long-haul routes and increase frequencies on existing services from its hubs in Almaty and Astana.
The move underscores Air Astana’s ambition to solidify its position as a key player in connecting Central Asia with the rest of the world. The 787’s superior range and passenger comfort features, including larger windows, improved cabin pressure, and higher humidity levels, are central to the airline’s strategy to enhance the passenger experience on ultra-long-haul journeys.
“This finalization is a cornerstone of our long-term strategic development,” a senior Air Astana representative stated. “These state-of-the-art aircraft provide the operational flexibility and efficiency needed to sustainably grow our network while offering our passengers a world-class travel experience.”
Boeing executives echoed the sentiment, highlighting the deepening partnership. “Air Astana’s commitment to the 787 Dreamliner family reaffirms the airplane’s unmatched capabilities in the widebody market. We are honored that Air Astana has placed its trust in Boeing to support its growth for decades to come.”
The deal provides a multi-year pipeline of deliveries, ensuring Air Astana can methodically phase in capacity to meet anticipated demand growth. The airline will leverage the 787’s versatility to potentially open routes to destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America that were previously beyond economic reach. The transaction also provides a significant boost to Boeing’s order book, reflecting sustained confidence in the long-haul air travel market’s recovery and future expansion.
