Article from BTNews 25 NOVEMBER 2019
Air Astana backs the MAX
In a rare vote of confidence in Boeing’s troubled new B737 MAX, Kazakhstan flag carrier Air Astana said last week it intends to order 30 of the aircraft for its new low-cost airline FlyArystan which was launched earlier this year (BTN 6 May).
In a joint ceremony with Boeing at the Dubai Airshow, Air Astana signed a letter of intent for the 30 aircraft, which have a list price value of $3.6bn (£2.8bn), “to serve as the backbone of FlyArystan”.
Air Astana president and CEO Peter Foster said: “Since its launch in May this year, FlyArystan has exceeded all expectations and it is clear low-cost air travel has a great future in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
“Air Astana has had a strong relationship with Boeing since the airline started flying in 2002. Today we operate both B757s and B767s and we believe the MAX will provide a solid platform for FlyArystan’s growth once the aircraft returns to service.”
Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal added: “We believe the efficiency and reliability built into the MAX will be a great fit for FlyArystan and look forward to working to finalise an agreement that meets their fleet and operational requirements.”
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