Mubasher: Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, Air Astana, has signed a letter of intent with Boeing for 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes worth $3.6 billion for its new low-cost airline, FlyArystan.

The Kaakhstainan airline firm owns a growing fleet that includes the Boeing 757, 767, and the Airbus A320 family, serving major cities across Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Asia, China, Europe, and Russia currently since beginning its operations in May 2002, according to a press release on Tuesday.   

As FlyArystan has exceeded all expectations with its positive performance since its launch in May, Air Astana unveiled that will add international services to Moscow commencing next month along with its fast-growing domestic network.

"Air Astana has had a strong relationship with Boeing ever since the airline started flying in 2002 with a pair of 737NGs. Today we operate both 757s and 767s and we believe that the MAX will provide a solid platform for the growth of FlyArystan throughout our region, once the aircraft has successfully returned to service," said president and CEO of Air Astana, Peter Foster.

Meanwhile, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Stan Deal, added, "Air Astana has become one of the leading airlines in Central Asia with its deep focus on safety, reliability, efficiency and customer service [...] We believe the efficiency and reliability built into the 737 MAX will be a great fit for FlyArystan. We look forward to working with Peter and his team finalise an agreement that meets their fleet and operational requirements."