FlyArystan is a low-cost airline headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan.[3] It is the country's first low cost carrier.[4] The company slogan is Say YES! to Travel.[5][6]
It is the wholly owned low cost subsidiary of Air Astana.[7][8] The airline commenced operations in May 2019[9] and operates a comprehensive network of low fare flights on a modern fleet of A320 aircraft. Its route network includes both domestic flights as well as international routes.[10]
Historyedit
FlyArystan's sales commenced on 29 March 2019 on its website.[11][12] The airline flew its first flights on 1 May 2019 with services from its hub airport, Almaty International Airport.[9]
Peter Foster, President and CEO of Air Astana, was quoted at a press conference in Almaty on 6 November 2018 as saying 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]
Awardsedit
In November 2022 FlyArystan was recognised as a 4-star airline by SkyTrax.[10] FlyArystan is one of only 12 LCCs to be assessed as 4-star quality.[14]
In July 2023 FlyArystan was voted "Best LCC Central Asia & CIS" by SkyTrax.[15]
Destinationsedit
FlyArystan is Kazakhstan's largest domestic airline, offering more flights and more seats than any other airline.[citation needed] As of September 2023 the route network includes 24 destinations, including 14 domestic and 10 International.[2] FlyArystan has 5 aircraft bases: Almaty, Astana, Atyrau, Aqtau and Şymkent.[14]
FlyArystan operates a standardised fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft with a 180 seat layout. FlyArystan's A320neos have a 188 seat layout to maximise seat capacity in line with LCC principles.[23][24]
As of September 2023[update] the fleet of FlyArystan consists of the following aircraft:[25]