AIR ASTANA EXPANDS ASIAN NETWORK WITH NEW SERVICE TO KUALA LUMPUR

Air Astana, the flag carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan, will be expanding its Asian network with the launch of services from Almaty to Kuala Lumpur commencing on 31st October 2009. The weekly flight will be operated every Saturday by Boeing 767 aircraft, with a flight time of eight hours.

Kuala Lumpur will become Air Astana’s seventh international destination in Asia and the Gulf, with existing services operating between Almaty and Bangkok (three times a week), Beijing (five times a week), Delhi (three times a week), Dubai (nine times a week), Seoul (two times a week) and Urumqi (two times a week).

Return Fares on the Kuala Lumpur – Almaty route start at 2,600 MYR plus tax for an Economy class seat to 6,100 MYR plus tax for Business class seat. Malaysian nationals travelling to Kazakhstan can obtain a Visit or Business visa by simply presenting a letter of sponsorship from the host organisation or a letter of invitation plus a tour itinerary at the Kazakhstan Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, without the need for referral to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Passengers on the weekly Kuala Lumpur service will be able to return via Bangkok using the through fares of Air Astana and its partner airlines.

“With both trade and tourism steadily growing between Kazakhstan and Malaysia, Air Astana is looking forward to launching the first direct air service between the two countries. Passengers will soon be able to enjoy the time saving convenience of flying direct aboard Air Astana’s modern fleet of western aircraft and experience the airline’s renowned high level of cabin service,” said Peter Foster, President of Air Astana.

Air Astana is a joint venture between Kazakhstan’s JS Company “Sovereign Wealth Fund SamrukKazyna” (51%) and BAE Systems (49%). The airline commenced regular flight operations in May 2002 and currently operates a network that serves 22 domestic and 22 international destinations from its hubs in Almaty, Astana and Atyrau. The operational fleet currently comprises of 2 Boeing 767, 4 Boeing 757, 2 Airbus A321, 7 A320, 1 A319 and 5 Fokker 50.

Air Astana is a full member of the International Air Transport Association and is the only airline in Kazakhstan with EASA Part 145 aircraft maintenance certification.