First Dash 8 for Kyrgyzstan’s Asman Airlines
September 12, 2024
Kyrgyzstan start-up Asman Airlines took delivery of its first aircraft, a DHC-8-400 (EX-21001), on 5 September 2024. It was previously operated by Horizon Air/Alaska Airlines as N451QX. The airline’s pilots have been trained by Canadian specialists, while stewards have been trained by Russia’s Aurora airline.
Some reports said that the first Dash 8 Q400 plane for Asman Airlines arrived at Manas International Airport on 6 September. Asman Airlines was established by Manas International Airport, which is majority owned by the government of Kyrgyzstan. The airline is intended to improve and strengthen domestic and regional connectivity..
The airline will eventually operate four DHC-8-400s. The second (N452QX) is due to be delivered in October 2024, with the third following in May 2025, and the last in November 2025.
The aircraft will operate flights throughout most of Kyrgyzstan, linking the 11 airports now operational in Kyrgyzstan, including regional airports at Karakol, Kazarman, Kerben, and Talas. New airports at Karakol and Naryn have not yet opened. The first Bishkek-Osh flight is scheduled for September 27. The ticket price will be 3,100 soms (US $36.82). Flights to Batken and Jalal-Abad will follow.
In the long term, Asman Airlines reportedly plans to purchase long-range Boeing or Airbus airliners.
