Air Astana’s first Boeing 787-9 begins flight testing ahead of 2027 debut

Air Astana’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has begun flight testing, bringing the Kazakh carrier closer to introducing a new long-haul fleet and launching nonstop services to North America.

The aircraft, registered EI-KZA, completed its first test flight on 1 October 2026 at Boeing’s Charleston manufacturing facility in South Carolina.

In an announcement posted on LinkedIn, Air Astana shared images from its factory flight-testing programme as Boeing completes the necessary certification and delivery procedures.

The airline expects its first three 787-9s to enter commercial service during 2027. The aircraft will replace its ageing Boeing 767-300ER fleet and support plans to expand its international network. 

Air Astana expects first Dreamliner delivery in December

Air Astana had originally expected to receive its first Dreamliner in September 2026, but manufacturing delays have pushed the anticipated handover to December.

Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Transport, Talgat Lastayev, confirmed the revised delivery schedule on 20 October.

The delay has also affected preparations for nonstop flights between Kazakhstan and the United States.

In an interview with Aviation Business News, Air Astana chief executive Ibrahim Canliel recently outlined a delivery schedule that would see the second Dreamliner arrive in January 2027 and the third in August 2027. He said the aircraft will initially operate about 20 regional sectors over two months to familiarise crews with the new type before entering longer-haul service.

The airline operates a fleet of 35 aircraft with an average age of 6.3 years, including three Boeing 767s and 33 Airbus A321s, Airbus A321neos, Airbus A321neo LR, Airbus A320ceos, and Airbus A320neos.

Air Astana introduced its Boeing 767-300ER aircraft in 2013. The airline plans to retire its Boeing 767-300ER aircraft progressively as the new Dreamliners enter operation.

The incoming Dreamliners will provide newer long-haul aircraft with improved fuel efficiency and additional range supporting new international routes.

The carrier also operates Airbus A321LR aircraft on long, thin international routes, allowing it to serve markets where demand would not justify widebody capacity.

New Boeing 787s will support US route plans

Air Astana has identified nonstop services to the US as a priority for its long-haul expansion.

Canliel said the carrier remains on course to introduce US flights during the second half of 2027, although the schedule depends on aircraft deliveries and operational approvals.

The airline is assessing polar routings and aircraft payload requirements to determine how it can operate the proposed services without intermediate fuel stops.

Kazakhstan’s transport authorities have also acknowledged that aircraft delivery delays are affecting preparations for direct flights.

The government has not confirmed a launch date or announced the specific US destinations it will serve.

The 787-9 offers substantially greater range than Air Astana’s existing 767-300ER fleet. The Boeing 767-300ER has a range of about 6,000 nautical miles, depending on payload and configuration. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has a maximum published range of 8,300 nautical miles, allowing the airline to consider longer nonstop routes from Kazakhstan to North America and other international markets.

Air Astana could eventually operate 18 Boeing 787-9s

In November 2025, the airline announced an agreement with Boeing for up to 15 additional 787-9s. The order was finalised in February 2026 and includes five firm aircraft, five options and five purchase rights.

Combined with its earlier commitments, Air Astana could ultimately operate a fleet of 18 Dreamliners.

Deliveries under the additional order are planned between 2032 and 2035. The airline has estimated the combined value of the aircraft, including engines, at approximately $7 billion based on manufacturer list prices. 

The arrival of the first 787-9 will advance Air Astana’s plans to establish long-haul services and modernise its widebody fleet.