Air Astana’s first Boeing 787-9 begins test flights

Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has started flight testing.

Registered as EI-KZA, the aircraft has begun its factory flight testing programme in Charleston, USA, home to one of Boeing’s manufacturing facilities. It completed its first test flight on 1 October 2026.

Air Astana said Boeing is progressing through the required certification procedures ahead of the first aircraft’s delivery. The airline expects its first three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to enter service in 2027.

The arrival of the Dreamliner will mark a significant step in Air Astana’s fleet modernisation programme. The Boeing 787-9s will gradually replace the airline’s existing Boeing 767-300ER fleet, improving operational efficiency and providing opportunities to expand its international route network while maintaining high standards of passenger comfort.

“We look forward to welcoming our first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Kazakhstan,” the airline said in a statement.

Notably, Air Astana signed a long-term lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation in 2022 for three new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The aircraft were initially scheduled for delivery starting in the first half of 2025, however, none have been delivered to the airline so far. According to media reports, Air Astana now expects to receive the first unit (EI-KZA) by the end of 2026.

Speaking to Aviation Business News, Air Astana Chief Executive Ibrahim Canliel outlined plans to receive the second Boeing 787-9 in January 2027, followed by the third in August 2027.

Air Astana’s planned Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet comprises up to 15 directly ordered aircraft and three leased units, bringing the potential total to 18.

In February 2026, Air Astana finalised an order with Boeing for up to 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, following a commitment first announced in November 2025. Deliveries are scheduled between 2032 and 2035.

With the introduction of the Boeing 787-9, Air Astana plans to increase capacity on existing routes and expand its network into North America, leveraging the aircraft’s fuel efficiency.

The Astana Times reported that Kazakhstan is considering launching a direct Astana–New York service in 2027, with the timeline linked to the completion of a US aviation safety assessment and the planned introduction of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The report cited Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev.

According to fleet data, Air Astana currently operates 36 aircraft, primarily comprising Airbus A320s, Airbus A321s and Boeing 767s.