Air Astana?

[Misha]

Hi Guys,

Has anyone flown, or does anyone know much about Air Astana? I am looking at (hopefully some time next year) heading off to Tajikistan to visit a friend and found some relatively good fares on Air Astana - but know nothing about them.

Any information you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you kindly.


PS: Note- only talking about from ALA - DYU - not for long haul or anything... cheers.

 

[samh004]

Well it looks like they operate a Western fleet of Airbus and Boeing mainly, as opposed to Russian aircraft, so that’s always good. Not flown them though, but signs are promising.

 

[sergeyvzn]

never flown Air Astana myself but have read a number of articles on it in Airliners World. Sounds pretty decent, it's run by an Englishman, they have got new planes and are very ambitious...mind you, with all the oil money and support from the Government of Kazakhstan, they are a little like a mini-Emirates.
anyway, I can look up reviews in Russian on Russian aviation forums if you like, let me know if you're interested, there's plenty written about Air Astana there

 

[Misha]

...
anyway, I can look up reviews in Russian on Russian aviation forums if you like, let me know if you're interested, there's plenty written about Air Astana there

Sergeyvzn, that would be great. My Russian is only sufficient enough to order coffee, tea and the like. When it comes to reading, I could just about get by reading a menu and not much else. Much appreciated

 

[sergeyvzn]

Misha, I've had a bit of a look around Russian aviation forums, apparently Air Astana is the airline of choice for those who fly between Russia and Kazakhstan as well as for residents of Kazakhstan traveling abroad. I'd say roughly 70% are happy, 15% say they are OK and 15% are not happy.
Their service seems to be very good, passengers say flight attendants are very polite and attentive, food is great, it's a full service airline so you get your alcohol as well as little goodie bags, Qantas style (toothpaste, toothbrush, eyeshades and socks) even in economy and even for a short haul
Planes are new and in good conditions. ALA - DYU is on a brand new Embraer 190, should be interesting
Most complaints are about flight delays, some say it is not unusual for a plane to sit on the tarmac in Astana waiting for a government VIP running late for the flight. Since you are flying out of Alma Ati - you are unlikely to come across this problem

Some complaints are about being unable to accue miles other than in their own FF programs Nomads though I understand you get Lufthansa MM points for flights between Kazakhstan and Germany (Frankfurt and Hannover) and Kazakhstan and London.

Also, the seat pitch seems to be a bit tight on their Airbus fleet, even in J.

That's about it so far. If you have any particular question, let me know

 

[shearsense]

In my personal experience - in the air they are very good. As good as some of the quality full-service western airlines. On the ground, they are at the mercy of soviet-style thinking of ground crew, ground staff, airport staff etc, and so the service is extremely variable from this aspect (but partly beyond the airline's control). In general, nothing to worry about, but I always look forward to taking off and getting away.