Kazakhstan’s low-fare airline, FlyArystan, has been granted its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK). The AOC was issued on 1 April 2024.
The low-fare brand of flag carrier Air Astana, the Group’s CEO, Peter Foster, had confirmed it was still targeting this date in June last year.
Since its launch in 2019, the airline has operated under Air Astana’s AOC. Now, under its own AOC, FlyArystan will be able to pursue additional growth opportunities while remaining a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group.
Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster said: “Since its launch five years ago, FlyArystan has grown into the market leader in Kazakhstan while stimulating the market, providing 3.6 million passengers with low-cost air travel in 2023. […] This makes it the right time for FlyArystan to obtain its own operator certificate, reflecting the increased size and operational complexity of the airline. It provides the regulatory framework for FlyArystan to continue to grow while pursuing opportunities for international expansion.”
A further six A320 family aircraft are expected to be delivered to the airline in 2024, expanding its fleet from 18 aircraft to 24.
The granting of this AOC will also enable FlyArystan to receive its own IATA code, which will allow the airline to expand its distribution globally and partner with other airlines.
Image credit: Air Astana/FlyArystan
