BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 22. Air Astana’s
first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered EI-KZA, has begun its
factory flight testing programme in Charleston, the U.S., where one
of Boeing’s manufacturing facilities is located, according to Air
Astana.
The aircraft completed its first test flight on October 1,
2026.
"Boeing is currently progressing through the required
certification procedures ahead of delivery of the first aircraft.
The first three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are expected to enter
service with Air Astana in 2027", the company said.
According to Air Astana, the arrival of the Dreamliner will mark
an important milestone in Air Astana’s fleet modernisation
programme. The new long-haul aircraft will gradually replace the
airline’s existing Boeing 767-300ER fleet, contributing to greater
operational efficiency and creating new opportunities to expand its
international route network.
In November 2025, Air Astana announced an agreement with Boeing
for up to 15 additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The order,
finalised in February 2026, comprises five firm orders, five
options and five purchase rights. It supplements the airline’s
existing arrangements for three Boeing 787-9 aircraft scheduled for
delivery in 2026-2027, bringing the total potential fleet to 18
aircraft. Deliveries under the additional order are scheduled for
2032-2035. Based on manufacturer list prices, the combined value of
the 18-aircraft fleet, including engines, is estimated at $7
billion.
The airline's operational activities began in 2002 with a fleet
of B737-700/800 aircraft operating flights within Kazakhstan and
across Central Asia. In 2003, the fleet was expanded with long-haul
B757-200 aircraft, opening new routes to Asia and Europe. The B737
and B757 aircraft were retired from service in 2007 and 2020,
respectively. In 2013, the airline added three new B767-300ER
aircraft to its fleet.
