Airline Company Air Astana Announces Earnings of $10.7 Million and Unveils 20 New Flight Paths
Air Astana Group, the national carrier of Kazakhstan, has made significant strides in the first half of 2025, expanding its reach and bolstering its position as a major connector between Central Asia and Asia's fastest-growing markets [1][2].
One of the key highlights of the expansion is the launch of 20 new international routes, focusing primarily on expanding connectivity in key Asian markets such as China, India, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf region [1]. These new routes include direct flights from Almaty to Guangzhou (China), Almaty to Mumbai (India), and Atyrau to Tbilisi and Baku (Caucasus region) [1]. The Almaty-Mumbai route, driven by strong demand, increased frequency from three to five weekly flights with plans for daily service by the end of 2025 [1].
This expansion has significantly increased Air Astana’s connectivity across Asia, especially linking the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) with rapidly growing megamarkets like China and India, where the Chinese market has fully recovered from the pandemic [1][2]. Additionally, Air Astana enhanced connectivity through a codeshare agreement with China Southern Airlines covering routes from Almaty to Beijing, Urumqi, and Guangzhou, further strengthening its footprint in China [2][4][5].
Operationally, the international route growth reached 25.2%, accounting for 76% of the increase in available seat kilometers (ASKs), helping Air Astana operate a total of 129 routes, 91 of them international by mid-2025 [1][2]. This strategic network growth also boosted Air Astana’s sixth-freedom traffic by 30%, which connects Central Asia and the Caucasus with broader long-haul markets, enhancing regional integration and transit options for passengers [2].
Air Astana's operational efficiency has also seen improvements. The airline has completed its fleet simplification plan, retiring the final Embraer E2 jets in May, and now operates 61 aircraft, exclusively from the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 767s. Six new aircraft were added in the first half of the financial year [1]. Furthermore, the introduction of crew pairing optimizers has contributed to higher pilot and cabin crew efficiency [1].
Financially, Air Astana Group reported a net profit of $10.7 million in the first half of 2025, a 131.9% increase compared to the same period last year [1]. The airline's total revenue and other income reached $658.2 million, an increase of 12.1% year-on-year [1]. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and restructuring or rent costs (EBITDAR) reached $157 million [1].
Air Astana has also taken proactive steps to reduce fuel consumption, with a fuel tankering initiative delivering about $6 million in cost reductions over the last 12 months [1]. The airline has also invested in in-house MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) and ground service capabilities to improve its passenger experience and enhance group efficiency [1].
In terms of partnerships, Air Astana is in discussions with Indian carriers to expand its presence in South Asia, building on earlier partnerships with Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines [1]. The airline has also signed a codeshare agreement with China Southern Airlines, covering 50 weekly flights between Kazakhstan and China [2].
Overall, this expansion has bolstered Air Astana’s position as a major connector between Central Asia and Asia’s fastest-growing markets, improving regional and international connectivity in a post-pandemic landscape [1][2].
[1] Air Astana Press Release, 2025. [2] Air Astana Financial Report, 2025. [3] Air Astana Annual Report, 2024. [4] China Southern Airlines Press Release, 2025. [5] Air Astana Fleet Information, 2025.
- After the expansion, Air Astana Group has strengthened its position not only as a major connector between Central Asia and Asia's fastest-growing markets, but also as a significant player in the sports and cultural exchange, with the new routes connecting various cities that are popular tourist destinations and sports hubs.
- The launch of the new international routes has opened up opportunities for sports enthusiasts from Central Asia to participate in global sports events, as these new routes include major cities known for hosting world-class sports competitions.
