Air Astana Extends Range of A321LR for Nonstop Almaty-London Route

Air Astana is adding fuel tanks to its Airbus A321LR aircraft, permitting an extension of range that will allow a nonstop Almaty to London service.

Kazakhstan national carrier Air Astana has taken a significant step towards extending its long-haul flight efficiency. The carrier will install additional fuel tanks on its Airbus A321LR aircraft.

This upgrade will enable the airline to operate non-stop flights over longer distances, eliminating the need for technical stopovers. The aircraft modification will see the rollout of a nonstop Almaty to London service.

Deployment on Nonstop Almaty-London Route

Starting on October 4, 2024, Air Astana plans to resume non-stop flights on the Almaty to London route. This route has been operating with a technical stop in Aktau since March 2022.

The new fuel tank modifications will eliminate the need for a stopover. The flight time will be reduced by 1.5 hours to 9h 35m, making it one of the longest narrow-body routes in the world.

This modernization aligns with Air Astana’s long-term strategy to enhance operational efficiency. By eliminating technical stopovers, the airline can reduce fuel consumption and potentially improve on-time performance. Importantly, it will provide passengers with a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.

The additional fuel tanks will be integrated into the A321LR’s design, in accordance with all necessary technical and safety standards. This upgrade will allow Air Astana to expand its long-haul network and offer more direct flight options to its passengers.

About Air Astana

Air Astana is the national airline of Kazakhstan. It is based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The airline serves domestic and international destinations, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Here are some key points about Air Astana:

Fleet: Air Astana operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including the Airbus A320, A321, A321neo, A330, and Boeing 767.
Destinations: The airline serves domestic and international destinations, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Hub: Almaty International Airport is the main hub for the national carrier.
Awards: The airline has won numerous awards, including the Skytrax World Airline Awards for “Best Airline in Central Asia and Kazakhstan” several times.

Air Astana’s installation of additional fuel tanks on its Airbus A321LR aircraft marks a significant move towards improved efficiency and passenger satisfaction. It now sets the stage for the operation of non-stop flights over longer distances for the national carrier.