SEATTLE, 5 March 2012. Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Air Astana officials have announced an order for four 767-300ER (Extended Range) and three 787-8 Dreamline aircraft. The order, valued at $1.3 billion at current list prices, makes it the largest single order for commercial airplanes in Kazakhstan's history. "Our decision to order the Boeing airplanes is part of Air Astana's long-term growth strategy to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes to serve domestic, regional and international routes," explains Peter Foster, president of Air Astana.
The mid-size, long-range 787 is designed to provide airlines with fuel efficiency, using 20 percent less fuel than similarly sized airplanes, and to deliver market versatility in the 200- to 300-seat market. Boeing has delivered more than 1,000 767s, which are flown by more than 120 operators worldwide.
"Today, airlines are increasingly looking at lower operating costs and fuel efficiency without compromising on technological innovations and customer experience. We are confident that both the 767-300ER and the 787 Dreamliner will play an important role as Air Astana continues with its expansion plans,” Marty Bentrott, vice president of sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, says.
