Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, Air Astana, has delayed its planned launch of direct flights to the United States, citing a new postponement in the delivery of its long-haul Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The airline’s CEO Peter Foster told reporters that the delivery, originally scheduled for late 2025, has now been pushed to mid-2026.
“Unfortunately, the delivery is being delayed due to the broader issues currently affecting Boeing,” Forbes Kazakhstan quoted Foster as saying.
Air Astana placed an order for three Boeing 787-9 aircraft in 2022 through the Air Lease Corporation to expand its long-haul fleet and support intercontinental connectivity.
The delay has affected not only plans for US flights but also the airline’s upcoming Tokyo service. Air Astana had aimed to launch Almaty–Tokyo flights using the 787-9. However, the first flight on that route is now planned for March 28–29, 2026, and will be operated using Airbus A321LR aircraft, according to Foster. The airline has modified its A321LR fleet by adding extra fuel tanks to extend their range to Tokyo.
Despite the setbacks, Air Astana is moving forward with strategic partnerships. The airline has signed a codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines (JAL), allowing it to offer connections from Tokyo to key Japanese cities including Osaka, Sapporo, and Fukuoka.
Earlier this year, Kazakhstan took a major step toward opening direct air links with the US when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a preliminary technical audit of the country’s aviation system, including Air Astana. The audit is part of the process to secure FAA Category 1 status, a prerequisite for launching direct services to the US.
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