Air Astana deactivates 787 Dreamliner MoU with Boeing
21 Oct 2009
Kazakhstan flag carrier, Air Astana, president Peter Foster has said that the carrier's MoU with Boeing for three 787s plus three options is "inactive" and that it was looking for alternatives.
Foster complained, "There is very little clarity on delivery dates."
The MOU with Boeing was signed in 2007 and delivery was originally scheduled for 2014-15. The carrier now estimates that its first Dreamliner could arrive as late as 2019.
The carrier needs to work out options for its long-haul fleet. Leases on two 767-300ERs are due to expire by 2012. It will take delivery of two E-190LRs in 2011 and plans to operate six by 2014. Astana will fly the E-190 to nearby international destinations.
It also plans to add six new A320s in 2012-13.
It will also decide between the Q300 and ATR 42 next year.
The carrier is building up its own maintenance centre in Almaty and will be able to carry out C checks next year. It currently operates four 757-200s, two 767-300ERs, one A319, seven A320s, two A321s and five F-50s.
