Air Astana Group now expects to end the year with three more aircraft than originally planned as it bids to counter the impact of lost capacity from the ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine inspections impacting some of its Airbus A320neo fleet.
The Kazakhstan carrier ended last year with a fleet of 49 aircraft and had expected to increase this to 56 by the end of 2024. But having already added six aircraft during the first half of this year, it now expects to operate 59 by year-end after agreeing to bring in five additional A320-family narrowbodies.
Air Astana has already taken delivery of two extra A320s and a third additional A321 will follow in September. It will take two more A320s in the first quarter of next year.
”Our fleet development plan is progressing ahead of schedule and we expect to expand the total fleet by three more than originally planned to 59 by the end of 2024,” said Air Astana Group chief executive Peter Foster, while announcing first-half earnings on 5 August.
”This increased capacity is one of several actions to mitigate off-wing time from Pratt & Whitney engines and enable us to meet rising demand for air travel across Kazakhstan and Central Asia.”
Air Astana, which agreed a compensation deal with Pratt & Whitney covering the grounding of some of its A320neos because of required PW1100G engine inspections, says it also ”successfully rested” its fleet during lower-demand season to enable it to optimise its fleet deployment during the peak season.
The carrier has also secured more aircraft for longer-term growth plans, after agreeing to lease seven A321LRs from Air Lease. Deliveries of these aircraft begin in 2026 and they will form part of Air Astana’ plans to expand its fleet to 80 by the end of 2028.
Air Astana reported “improved momentum” in the second quarter after increasing revenues for the three months ending 30 June 2024. The newly-listed airline lifted second quarter adjusted EBITDAR, before one-offs, by 11.5% to $88.7 million, with revenues up 13% to $321.4 million. Operating profit though slipped in the quarter from $42.8 million to $35.4 million.
”With passenger numbers at record highs and a strong booking curve for the third quarter, we are well positioned for the peak summer season,” says Foster.
”Despite the ongoing management of Pratt & Whitney engines and industry-wide cost pressures, we are on track with our growth strategy and remain confident in the group’s prospects in 2024 and beyond.”
