Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana declared a network expansion into China during a media event in Guangzhou on June 11th.

Attendees included Peter Foster, the CEO of Air Astana, Kuanysh Amantay, the Minister Counsellor of Kazakhstan, and Islam Sekerbekov, the regional manager for China and Mongolia.

Foster highlighted the significance of the new service to Guangzhou, stating, “China has always been an important strategic market for Air Astana. The launch of the Guangzhou service marks a significant step in expanding our Chinese route network in line with our long-term growth objectives. Air Astana has a proud reputation for delivering outstanding in-flight service, with passengers from China destined to enjoy high standards of cabin comfort and warm Kazakh hospitality.”

This launch reinforces Air Astana’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and strengthening ties between Kazakhstan and China. The current service from Almaty to Guangzhou is now the fifth direct connection between the two nations, marking the first Air Astana flight linking southern Kazakhstan to southern China.

With the introduction of Guangzhou, Air Astana operates five routes connecting Kazakhstan and China, including Almaty to Beijing, Urumqi, and Hainan, totaling 23 weekly flights.