When the Soviet Union broke up and Kazakhstan became an independent nation 20 years ago in 1991, the economy of Kazakhstan was ranked second from the bottom among the former Soviet republics. Its per capita gross domestic product then was US$1500 but by 2010, it grew to US$9000 and the Kazakhstani economy now ranks second from the top of the same table! Having valuable natural resources such as natural gas, oil, uranium and grains helped but having good management is equally important. As independent Kazakhstan turns 20 today, I am reminded of its delightful national carrier – Air Astana.
At the time of the country’s independence, the role of national carrier was placed on the shoulders of Air Kazakhstan which ceased operation in February 2004 and became insolvent two months later. At that point, it operated a mix of Russian-built TU-154s, TU-134s, IL-86s, Yak-42s and western-built Airbus A310-300s and Boeing 737-200s. At the time of its establishment in September 2001, Air Astana was tasked to operate domestic services but with the failure of Air Kazakhstan, its status was elevated.
Since then, Kazakhstan has a national carrier it could be proud of. Starting operation in April 2002 with just three leased aircraft – two B737-700s and one B737-800, it concentrated on improving its service and growing organically. Now in its 10th year of operation, Air Astana operates a fleet of B757-200s, B767-300s, Airbus A320s, A321s and a single A319 along with a new fleet of Embraer E-190 that will progressively replace its Fokker 50s. Aircraft acquisition here has been honed into a fine art as new types are chosen for the close match to the airline’s challenging operating environment. For flights to South and South East Asia, its planes have to head to the western extremity of the Himalayas before turning back east to New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.
Air Astana's B757s operate regularly on the Almaty-Bangkok route.
Air Astana has a Letter of Intent to acquire B787 Dreamliners and discussions are ongoing with Boeing to turn this into a firm order.
An Airbus A320 being pushed back for departure at Almaty Airport.
I was thrilled to have flown eight Air Astana flights and thoroughly enjoyed the consistently good inflight service. Many of its personnel are very proud to be working for the airline and perhaps this is the key to maintaining good service. Besides New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, it also serves Beijing and Seoul in North Asia with new services to Hong Kong starting in early 2012 and chartered flights to Vietnam in late-2012. The infrastructure at Almaty Airport is basic and beyond the airline’s control and for me, it made me appreciate Air Astana’s tight grip on quality service even more. I was particularly impressed by the airline’s focus on safety and the fleet’s maintenance – and from an aviation photographer’s standpoint, it is always a joy to photograph its clean and beautifully painted fleet.
Kazakhstan has yet to tap into inbound tourism in a big way – but it has lots to offer. From the steppes to ancient Islamic cultures, these promise to be strong draws for travellers who seek unspoilt destinations. In a way, I am glad that there are still destinations such as Kazakhstan that are in no hurry to embrace tourism.
The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Astana is pyramid-shaped and houses a treasure trove of Kazakhstani historic relics as well as a unique meeting room at its apex.
Congratulations to the people of Kazakhstan on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of its independence. You have come a long way in a short time ... and to Air Astana, thank you for the great memories and all the best as you celebrate your 10th anniversary next April.
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