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 FlyArystanAirbus A320-232 | |||||||
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| Founded | 2 November 2018 (as a division ofAir Astana) | ||||||
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| Commenced operations | 29 March 2019 (6 years ago) (2019-03-29) | ||||||
| Operating bases | |||||||
| Fleet size | 28 | ||||||
| Destinations | 24[2] | ||||||
| Parent company | Air Astana | ||||||
| Headquarters | Almaty, Kazakhstan | ||||||
| Key people |
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| Website | www.flyarystan.com | ||||||
FlyArystan is a low-cost airline headquartered inAlmaty,Kazakhstan.[3] It is the country's firstlow-cost carrier.[4] The company slogan isSay YES! to Travel.[5][6]
It is the wholly owned low-cost subsidiary ofAir Astana.[7] The airline commenced operations in May 2019[8] and operates a comprehensive network of low fare flights on a modern fleet ofAirbus A320 family aircraft. Its route network includes both domestic flights as well as international routes.[9]
In 2024, FlyArystan received its air operator certificate (AOC) from the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK), confirming compliance with Kazakh aviation legislation and international operational standards. This enables FlyArystan to obtain its own IATA code to expand its presence in foreign markets and cooperate with other airlines. FlyArystan is a 100% subsidiary of Air Astana JSC.[10]
FlyArystan's sales commenced on 29 March 2019 on its website.[11][12] The airline first flew on 1 May 2019 with services from its hub airport,Almaty International Airport.[8]
Peter Foster, president and CEO of Air Astana, said at a press conference in Almaty on 6 November 2018 that FlyArystan is "on the one hand a response to demand for lower airfares in a more competitive local market, on the other, a recognition of the huge opportunity for low cost air travel throughout Central Asia and the Caucasus".[13]
In November 2022, FlyArystan was recognised as a 4-star airline by SkyTrax.[9] FlyArystan is one of only 12 LCCs to be assessed as 4-star quality.[citation needed]
In July 2023, FlyArystan was voted "Best LCC Central Asia & CIS" by SkyTrax.[14]
In June 2024, the World Airline Awards 2024 ceremony was held at the Fairmont Windsor Park Hotel in London, where the airline was once again awarded "Best Lowcoster in Central Asia and CIS".[15]
FlyArystan is Kazakhstan's largest domestic airline, offering more flights and more seats than any other airline.[citation needed] The route network includes 24 destinations, including 14 domestic and 10 international.[2] FlyArystan has five aircraft bases:Almaty,Astana,Atyrau,Aqtau andŞymkent.[citation needed]
FlyArystan commenced international flights in 2019 and has since offered flights from multiple points in Kazakhstan as well as abroad.[17][18][19][20]
FlyArystan hascodeshare agreements with the following airlines:
FlyArystan operates a standardised fleet ofAirbus A320 family aircraft. FlyArystan'sA320neos have a 188 seat layout to maximise seat capacity in line with LCC principles.[22]
As of August 2025[update], FlyArystan operates the following aircraft:[23]
| Aircraft | In service | Orders | Seats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320-200 | 15 | — | 180 | Eight aircraft were transferred fromAir Astana. |
| Airbus A320neo | 13 | — | 188 | |
| Total | 28 | — | ||
FlyArystan placed aletter of intent at the Dubai Airshow 2019 for 30Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft[24] which has not been turned into an actual order yet.
In 2022, self-service passenger terminals called iJan were installed at Almaty International Airport for the first time. These allow passengers to self-check-in for flights, check in baggage, and buy additional services, avoiding queues and saving time. Similar self-service terminals are now installed in 14 cities across Kazakhstan where the airline operates.[25]
In 2023, the airline introduced a new baggage drop-off technology (BagJan) at Almaty International Airport, ensuring a faster and more convenient self-service process.[26]
In 2023, the airline supported the families of those who died in a devastating fire in the Abay region by offering free flights to the relatives of the deceased and the firefighters involved in disaster relief, as well as for transporting humanitarian aid. The previous summer, the airline contributed to the reforestation efforts in the Abay region following the catastrophe. The company purchased and delivered 570 packs or 280 liters of peat substrate for growing plants at the state forest nature reserve "Semey Ormany." This supply of peat substrate was used for 1,325,000 seedlings with a closed root system, intended for spring planting in 2024, covering a total area of 315.5 hectares.[27]
In 2023, FlyArystan officially launched the corporate social responsibility project "Komek", aimed at supporting socially vulnerable groups by providing discounts on commercial flights.[citation needed]
