Air India and Air Astana Codeshare Agreement
Air India (AI), the national carrier of India, and Air Astana (KC), Kazakhstan’s flagship airline, have announced a new codeshare partnership to widen route networks connecting India and Central Asia. This includes routes linking Almaty (ALA) with Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), enabling Air India to apply its AI code to flights operated by Air Astana. This partnership aims to provide travelers with seamless access to Kazakhstan’s most populous city while simplifying the process of ticketing and baggage transfers.
Benefits for Travelers
- Single-ticket itineraries for easier travel.
- Through check-in for baggage simplifying transfers beyond Delhi and Mumbai.
Campbell Wilson, Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, emphasized Kazakhstan’s increasing role as a tourism and business hub. He highlighted how the partnership not only enhances leisure travel but also fosters trade and cultural exchange between India and Kazakhstan.
Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana Group, noted India’s strategic significance for Air Astana. With increasing demand in business, tourism, and student travel segments, this codeshare agreement supports Air Astana’s expansion into India, augmenting network access for Air India’s customers.
Expanded Partnership
The codeshare agreement builds upon a prior interline partnership initiated in 2025. This earlier agreement provided Air India passengers access to various Central Asian and Chinese destinations via Almaty, including Astana (NQZ), Bishkek (FRU), Tashkent (TAS), Dushanbe (DYU), and Urumqi (URC). In return, Air Astana could utilize Air India’s domestic and international networks via Delhi and Mumbai, reaching 18 domestic and 9 international routes. Transitioning to a codeshare expands these opportunities, offering direct and integrated connectivity.
The availability of codeshare flights will gradually increase, pending regulatory approvals. Travelers can book these flights through Air India’s website, mobile app, and global travel agents, providing a broader range of travel options and simplifying the booking process.
About Air Astana
Based in Almaty (ALA), Air Astana operates with a significant presence at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ). Established in 2001, the airline connects Central Asia to key destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia with a modern fleet. Known for safety, reliability, and service quality, Air Astana manages over 56 destinations and operates FlyArystan, Kazakhstan’s premier low-cost carrier.
| Air Astana’s Objectives |
|---|
| Adhere to international safety standards. |
| Provide reliable service with excellent on-time performance. |
| Expand fleet and route network profitably. |
| Encourage staff development through merit-based promotions. |
| Uphold high business ethics and social responsibility. |
| Act as Kazakhstan’s aviation ambassador worldwide. |
This commitment balances growth with responsibility, positioning Air Astana competitively in Central Asia while maintaining a strong international reputation.
History and Compliance
Founded in late 2001, Air Astana’s maiden flight was in May 2002, attended by then-President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Sir Richard Evans of BAE Systems, marking the airline’s inception as a joint venture between the Kazakh Government and BAE Systems PLC. Current shareholders include the Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund JSC (41%), BAE Systems (Kazakhstan) Limited (16.95%), Unified Accumulative Pension Fund JSC (6.5%), and other investors (35.55%).
Commitment to Safety
Air Astana maintains compliance with global aviation standards, holding the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 145 approval. In 2019, the airline successfully renewed its EASA Third Country Operators (TCO) certification. It also remains certified as an EASA Part 147 Training Organization, having completed the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) for the eighth time in May 2021.
Fleet and Operations
Boasting a fleet of 61 Western-built aircraft averaging 6.2 years old, Air Astana operates over 56 routes across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Maintaining high on-time performance standards is central to its strategy, ensuring operational efficiency and customer trust. Led by Peter Foster since 2005, the airline further strengthened its market position by introducing FlyArystan in 2019, Kazakhstan’s first low-cost carrier.
Global Influence
Air Astana serves as an ambassador for Kazakhstan by promoting its aviation capabilities globally and supporting social responsibility initiatives. Through strategic growth, governance, and employee development, the airline has become a model for emerging market carriers.
