en.Wedoany.com Reported - Air Astana CEO Ibrahim Canlier confirmed during the first-quarter results briefing that the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will arrive in September 2026. To enable pilots and crew to adapt quickly, the Kazakh flag carrier plans to deploy the 787 on a significant number of short-haul routes in the initial months following delivery, with a second aircraft expected later this year.

Air Astana signed an agreement to order up to 15 Boeing 787-9s at the C5+1 Summit in November 2025, with the order finalized in February 2026. Additionally, the airline will receive three more aircraft of the same type from leasing companies, bringing the total 787 fleet to as many as 18. Air Astana's current widebody fleet consists of only three Boeing 767-300ERs, used for international routes from Almaty to destinations such as Dubai, Malé, Phuket, and Seoul Incheon. The structure of the 15-aircraft order comprises five firm orders, five options, and five purchase rights.

Regarding network expansion prospects, Canlier stated that the 787's range should help open new routes, but the most direct routes to the United States require crossing Russian airspace, which Air Astana cannot overfly due to sanctions. Canlier said: "This issue needs to be resolved before we can start considering direct flights to the U.S." In terms of cabin experience, the 787 will offer passengers a significant product upgrade over existing aircraft types in both business and economy class.

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