Air Astana Selects up to 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to Expand Global Network

Rhea-AI Summary

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Air Astana announced on November 6, 2025 that the Kazakhstan flag carrier will purchase up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to modernize and expand its long-haul network. Including three 787-9s to be delivered via lessors, Air Astana's 787 fleet could grow to up to 18 aircraft, each seating 303 passengers, enabling capacity growth on existing routes and expansion into North America. Boeing said the deal will support more than 20,000 U.S. jobs. The agreement awaits finalization and posting on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

Positive

• Up to 15 firm 787-9s committed
• Fleet could reach up to 18 787-9 aircraft including lessors
• 303 seats per 787-9 to increase long-haul capacity
• Deal cited to support > 20,000 U.S. jobs

Negative

• Order is not yet finalized and awaits posting on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website

Insights

Aviation strategy analyst

Large long‑range fleet commitment strengthens Air Astana's route expansion and boosts Boeing's widebody backlog.

Air Astana committed to up to 15 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, expanding its 787 fleet to as many as 18 787-9 including three leased deliveries and marking the carrier's largest single airplane purchase. The 787-9's stated attributes—fuel efficiency, range flexibility and a 303-seat layout—directly enable longer non‑stop routes and higher-capacity service on existing networks to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and planned expansion into North America.

Key dependencies and risks include timely delivery and airline execution: the carrier cites the arrival of the first 787-9 in 2026, and passenger uptake on new long‑haul services will determine utilisation. Integration of widebodies requires crew training, maintenance capacity and slot access at target airports; these operational items will shape near-term benefit capture.

Watch for the formal posting on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries list, the schedule of the first few deliveries in 2026–2027, and initial route announcements to North America and higher-density corridors within 12–36 months. The announced support for more than 20,000 jobs in the U.S. is a tangible, near-term economic impact tied to production.

Commercial aerospace finance analyst

Order commitment improves fleet economics for the airline and provides Boeing with a large, long‑haul program sale.

Boeing records a significant commercial order pipeline addition: up to 15 787-9 purchase commitments, plus three lessor‑delivered 787-9s, expand Air Astana's widebody fleet to up to 18 aircraft. The transaction emphasizes capacity growth and modernization rather than short‑term cash metrics; the order will appear on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries site when finalized and posted.

Financial and execution considerations include final contract terms, payment and delivery schedule, and any use of lessors for three frames which implies mixed ownership/lease economics. Monitor the formal posting to Boeing's orders page and any disclosure of delivery slots and pricing; those items will clarify near-term revenue recognition and capital commitments over the delivery window.

Concrete items to track over the next 12–36 months: the official order posting date, the first delivery timing (stated as arriving in 2026), published delivery cadence, and route launches using the 303‑seat 787-9 configuration, which will reveal revenue and capacity impacts.

• Airline's largest-ever order commitment highlights Central Asia's rising role in global aviation
• Kazakhstan's flag carrier will grow and modernize its exclusive Boeing widebody fleet

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air Astana JSC announced today the Kazakhstan flag carrier will purchase up to 15 787 Dreamliners to grow and modernize its fleet. The agreement for additional 787-9 airplanes will enable Air Astana to expand its operations and enhance its passengers' experience.

When the order is finalized and posted to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website, it will be Air Astana's largest single airplane purchase and will support more than 20,000 jobs across the U.S. With three more 787-9 airplanes to be delivered via lessors, Air Astana's 787 fleet will grow up to 18 787-9 airplanes to fuel its long-haul capabilities.

"Air Astana is strategically committed to boosting its service capabilities from Central Asia / Caucasus to Asia, Europe and the rest of the world over the next decade, with the arrival of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner next year marking the start of this exciting phase of development," said Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana. "With its customer friendly cabin, fuel efficiency and range flexibility, the fleet of up to 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft is destined to become an outstanding success with the airline and its discerning passengers."

Air Astana currently operates three Boeing 767 widebody jets across a network that connects Kazakhstan with destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The airline will leverage the ultra-efficient 787-9, which will seat 303 passengers, to grow capacity across its existing routes and enable expansion into North America.

The agreement was signed at the C5+1 Summit as the U.S. marks the 10^th anniversary of the diplomatic platform.

"Boeing airplanes have been integral to Air Astana's operations from the beginning and we're proud the 787 Dreamliner will support Central Asia's growing importance in aviation," said Paul Righi, vice president of Boeing Commercial Sales for Eurasia and India. "Air Astana's decision to expand its fleet with the 787-9 aligns with its vision to boost operational capabilities and efficiency while elevating its service offerings."

The 787 Dreamliner is renowned for its fuel efficiency, advanced technology and superior passenger comfort, making it an ideal choice for long-haul operations. Air Astana will join the global operators that leverage the 787 Dreamliner family to fly about 500,000 passengers daily and connect the most countries of any widebody fleet.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Contact
Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com

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SOURCE Boeing

FAQ

What did Boeing and Air Astana announce on November 6, 2025 about BA stock?

They announced Air Astana will purchase up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, expanding long-haul fleet and capacity.

How many 787 Dreamliners will Air Astana operate after the November 2025 agreement?

Including three aircraft via lessors, the airline's 787 fleet could grow to up to 18 787-9 airplanes.

What capacity does each Air Astana 787-9 provide under the November 6, 2025 deal?

Each 787-9 is specified to seat 303 passengers, enabling larger long-haul rotations.

Does the November 6, 2025 order by Air Astana for BA 787s immediately increase Boeing revenue?

The announcement is a purchase agreement; the order awaits finalization and posting before official recognition on Boeing's orders tally.

Will the Air Astana 787 order support U.S. jobs as of November 2025?

Boeing said the agreement will support more than 20,000 U.S. jobs.