Air Astana announced via company Linkedin page the carrier’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered EI-KZA, commenced its factory flight testing programme in Charleston, USA, where one of Boeing’s manufacturing facilities is located. The aircraft completed its first test flight on 1 October 2026,
The first three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are expected to enter service with Air Astana in 2027 to be leased from Air Lease Corporation now integrated into Sumisho Air Lease which will gradually replace the carrier’s existing Boeing 767-300ER fleet. Separately the carrier finalized on 16 February 2026, a direct order for up to 15 additional Boeing 787-9s for delivery between 2027-2032.
“Air Astana is strategically committed to boosting its service capabilities from Central Asia / Caucasus to Asia, Europe and the rest of the world over the next decade, with the arrival of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner next year marking the start of this exciting phase of development,” said Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana. “With its customer friendly cabin, fuel efficiency and range flexibility, the fleet of up to 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft is destined to become an outstanding success with the airline and its discerning passengers.”
Image Credit: Air Astana
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 31 October 2026 All Rights Reserved
