DELHI– Air India (AI), India’s flag carrier, and Air Astana (KC), Kazakhstan’s national airline, have entered into a codeshare agreement to expand connectivity between India and Central Asia.
The partnership covers key routes linking Almaty (ALA) with Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), allowing Air India to place its AI code on Air Astana-operated flights. This move gives travelers seamless access to Kazakhstan’s largest city, while simplifying ticketing and baggage transfers.
Photo: Air IndiaAir India and Air Astana Codeshare
The codeshare agreement formalizes cooperation between the two carriers on trunk routes connecting Almaty with major Indian cities. For travelers, this means single-ticket itineraries, through check-in for baggage, and easier transfers beyond Delhi and Mumbai.
Air India’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing importance as a tourism and business hub. He noted that the partnership not only improves leisure travel but also boosts trade and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana Group, underlined India’s strategic role for the airline. With rising demand across business, tourism, and student segments, the codeshare supports Air Astana’s growth into India while enhancing network access for Air India customers.
Photo: Air AstanaBuilding on Existing Interline Cooperation
This codeshare builds on an interline partnership signed earlier in 2025. Under that arrangement, Air India passengers already had access to destinations across Central Asia and China via Almaty, including Astana (NQZ), Bishkek (FRU), Tashkent (TAS), Dushanbe (DYU), and Urumqi (URC).
In return, Air Astana gained access to Air India’s domestic and international network via Delhi and Mumbai, covering 18 Indian destinations and 9 international routes. The step-up to a codeshare significantly expands these opportunities, providing more direct and integrated connectivity.
The codeshare flights will become available progressively, subject to regulatory clearances. Travelers will be able to book these flights across Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents worldwide. For passengers, this translates into fewer booking complexities and a wider range of travel options.
Photo: Air AstanaAbout Air Astana
Air Astana (KC) is headquartered in Almaty (ALA), with a strong presence at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ). The airline connects Central Asia to major destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia with a modern fleet.
Founded in 2001, Air Astana (KC) has grown into one of the leading carriers in the region. With a focus on safety, reliability, and service quality, the airline operates flights to over 56 destinations while also managing FlyArystan, Kazakhstan’s first true low-cost carrier.
Building an Airline from the Heart of Eurasia
Air Astana’s mission is to create one of the finest airlines in the world from its base in Kazakhstan. The company’s values are built around safety, integrity, and customer care, which guide its long-term goals:
- Operate under the highest international safety standards.
- Provide reliable service with strong on-time performance.
- Grow fleet and route network profitably while improving products.
- Recruit and promote staff based on merit and professional development.
- Uphold business ethics and social responsibility.
- Represent Kazakhstan globally as its aviation ambassador.
This balance between commercial growth and responsibility ensures the airline’s competitive position in Central Asia while maintaining a strong reputation internationally.
A Brief Look at the History
Air Astana was established in late 2001 and completed its maiden flight on May 15, 2002. The event was attended by then-President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Sir Richard Evans of BAE Systems, reflecting the airline’s origins as a joint venture between the Government of Kazakhstan and BAE Systems PLC.
Today, the airline maintains a diverse shareholder structure. Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund JSC owns 41% of shares, BAE Systems (Kazakhstan) Limited holds 16.95%, Unified Accumulative Pension Fund JSC retains 6.5%, and the remaining 35.55% is divided among other investors.
Commitment to Safety and Certification
Air Astana continues to demonstrate compliance with global aviation standards. The airline holds European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 145 approval, ensuring its fleet is maintained under strict regulations.
In 2019, it successfully renewed its EASA Third Country Operators (TCO) certification with zero findings and remains certified as an EASA Part 147 Training Organization. Reinforcing its safety culture, Air Astana completed the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) for the eighth time in May 2021.
Photo: Air AstanaFleet, Routes, and On-Time Performance
The airline operates a fleet of 61 Western-built aircraft with an average age of just 6.2 years, making it one of the youngest fleets in the region. These aircraft serve over 56 domestic and international routes across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
On-time performance is central to Air Astana’s strategy, ensuring passenger confidence and operational efficiency. With over 6,000 employees, the airline maintains service quality through training, experience, and innovation.
Since 2005, Air Astana has been led by Peter Foster, a seasoned airline executive with more than three decades of industry experience. Under his leadership, the airline expanded its portfolio by launching FlyArystan in May 2019, creating Kazakhstan’s first low-cost carrier and strengthening the group’s market position.
Global Role and Social Responsibility
Beyond operations, Air Astana acts as an ambassador for Kazakhstan. The airline promotes the country’s aviation capabilities on the global stage while supporting social responsibility initiatives at home.
By combining strategic growth, strong governance, and employee development, Air Astana has established itself as a model for airlines in emerging markets.
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Air India Eyes 10 New Codeshare , Plans Global Expansion
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