Air Astana Joint Stock Company, a major irline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions in terms of revenue and fleet size, announced that FlyArystan, its budget airline brand, has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK).
The AOC issued on April 1, 2024, is the result of a thorough audit and examination conducted by the AAK. It serves as evidence of FlyArystan’s commitment to complying with both domestic aviation laws and international operational norms.
Since its establishment in 2019, FlyArystan has been operating under the Air Astana AOC. With its own AOC now in place, FlyArystan can streamline its operations more efficiently according to its low-cost carrier model and explore further avenues for expansion. It is important to note that FlyArystan continues to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group.
This strategic choice will bring advantages to both the Group and FlyArystan’s customers. Establishing a separate AOC is crucial for the airline’s progress and advancement. From an operational standpoint, it will guarantee improved efficiency and visibility with aviation regulators internationally. Moreover, it will grant FlyArystan its unique IATA code, facilitating global distribution expansion and partnerships with other airlines.
According to Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana Group, FlyArystan, one of the two airline brands under the group, has become the leading airline in Kazakhstan since its establishment five years ago.
In 2023, FlyArystan served 3.6 million passengers with affordable air travel and expanded its fleet from four to 18 aircraft. An additional six aircraft are set to be delivered in 2024.
Foster emphasized that this growth and operational complexity necessitate FlyArystan to acquire its own operator certificate. This certification will support the airline’s expansion plans, including opportunities for international growth.
