Wedoany.com Report on Mar 16th, Air Astana announced on March 13th that its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is expected to be delivered in September 2026, with the second aircraft to be received in November and the third planned for mid-2027. This development marks progress in the airline's fleet modernization, gradually replacing its existing Boeing 767-300ER passenger aircraft.
The introduction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been delayed multiple times, reflecting challenges in Boeing's production and certification processes. Outgoing CEO Peter Foster stated during a conference call: "The Boeing 787 was originally planned to start arriving a few years ago, but has been delayed by Boeing, which perhaps is not surprising given the challenges Boeing faces." He added: "Those challenges are being resolved... The first aircraft will arrive in September, the second in November." The aircraft will be configured with 30 business class seats and 273 economy class seats, expected to enhance passenger experience and operate routes currently served by the 767, including destinations in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
The delivery of the Boeing 787 will directly replace Air Astana's Boeing 767-300ER fleet, which includes some of the last passenger aircraft produced before production ended in 2014, with registrations EI-KEA, EI-KEB, and EI-KEC. Foster confirmed: "The 767s will leave the fleet in 2027, replaced by the 787 arriving this September." These 767 aircraft currently serve key long-haul routes, such as Frankfurt, forming the backbone of the airline's intercontinental network. Although the cabin configuration is similar, the new aircraft will bring significant upgrades, including Wi-Fi and other improvements.
Regarding certification, Air Astana executives addressed seat approval issues. Foster noted: "There were quite a number of issues related to the seats... Those issues are now resolved." However, one technical issue involving the Recaro economy class seats, raised by the FAA, is still under review. Foster stated: "There is only one outstanding issue on the Recaro economy class seats... but we expect it to be resolved before the aircraft arrives in September." Despite incomplete certification steps, the airline is confident in on-time delivery. Foster concluded: "We are confident in the timeline, and we fully expect the issues to be resolved by the time the aircraft arrives in September." Once operational, the Boeing 787 is expected to expand Air Astana's long-haul network and enhance operational flexibility in the Central Asian aviation market.
