Overview
- Air Astana confirmed the deal on February 17, 2026, marking the biggest single aircraft purchase in the carrier’s history.
- The commitment, combined with three additional 787-9s arriving via lessors, positions the airline to operate up to 18 Dreamliners.
- Air Astana plans to use the 787-9s to replace older 767s and grow intercontinental flying, with leadership citing potential North American routes.
- Industry reporting indicates three leased 787-9s are due in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the directly ordered jets tentatively scheduled for 2032–2035.
- Boeing says the order will support more than 20,000 U.S. jobs, while Air Astana’s in-house maintenance operation marked its 50th C-check as it builds technical capacity.