12 Dec 2003
Air Astana, a joint venture between the government of Kazakhstan and BAE Systems, begins flights between Britain and Kazakhstan on Saturday December 13.
The twice-weekly service is the first direct link between the two countries. Hailing the launch, BAE Systems chairman Sir Richard Evans said, The service is a response to increasing business ties between the two countries and we are working closely with the Kazakhstan government to support this growing trade by developing the country's aviation infrastructure.
Air Astana was formed as a first step in the development of a long-term UK relationship with Kazakhstan, as envisaged in a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2000. The MoU, signed at 10 Downing Street, calls for BAE Systems to invest in the aerospace infrastructure of the Central Asian country and is seen as a potential stepping stone towards wider co-operation.
Air Astana has won the best investor award in the transport category of the Kazahk Foreign Investors Council. The FIC was set up to encourage foreign investment into Kazakhstan, to propose an appropriate regulatory framework and to integrate the country into the global economy. The award was presented by President Nursultan Nazarbayev on December 6. For further information, go to www.fic.kz
About Air Astana:
Air Astana is a profitable joint venture owned 51% by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and 49% by BAE Systems Customer Solutions & Support. It provides scheduled domestic and international air services operating to western standards.
Its 550 employees operate a fleet of three Boeing 737 700/800s and two 757-200s on a range of internal and external routes, including from the capital Alamaty to Moscow, Beijing and Dubai.
Flights to Hanover, Istanbul and Bangkok commenced with the addition of the first Boeing 757 in October 2003. The second 757, acquired this week, will fly routes between Kazakhstan and Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Seoul, as well as the London service.
Air Astana, launched in September 2001, achieved JAR 145 status from the UK Civil Aviation Authority in September 2003.
Go to www.air-astana.kz for more information.
About BAE SYSTEMS:
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
