As part of an operating lease, Air Astana, Kazakhstan's national airline, has taken over the fifth Airbus A321LR from Air Lease Corporation (ALC) in the USA. 

The first machine of the aircraft type with Pratt & Whitney PW1133G engines was delivered in September 2019. With this model, the airline is replacing the Boeing 757. "We are delighted to welcome the fifth ALC Airbus A321LR to our fleet," said Peter Foster, President and CEO of Air Astana.

"With the improved range, lower emissions and excellent two-class configuration, including business class with 16 flatbed seats, the aircraft has proven extremely popular with customers and our crews," continues Foster. 

New flight connection from Almaty to the Georgian Black Sea coast

In addition, from May 15, Air Astana will begin flights between Almaty and Batumi, Georgia's second largest city. The connection is made three times a week on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays with an Airbus A320. The flight time from Almaty to Batumi is 4:30 hours, on the return flight 4:05 hours. Batumi is located on the Black Sea coast and is the second destination in Georgia that Air Astana flies to. There has been a connection to the capital Tbilisi since 2011.

Entrants must present a negative PCR test upon arrival, which must not be more than three days old. International transfer passengers are exempt from this measure, provided they do not leave the transit area of ​​the airport during their stay in Kazakhstan.