Air Astana now expects its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in December 2026 after Boeing pushed back delivery by about three months from the airline’s original plan. The revised timing affects the Kazakhstan carrier’s long-haul expansion, including preparations for planned nonstop service to New York, and the aircraft is expected to enter service immediately on arrival.
The delay was linked to Boeing’s production constraints and manufacturing process issues, with the manufacturer informing Air Astana in June that the aircraft would slip. Chief executive Ibrahim Zhanlyel publicly confirmed the new delivery window, while two further 787-9s are still expected in 2027.
Air Astana has previously described the Dreamliner fleet as central to its intercontinental growth strategy. The airline has said it has 18 Boeing 787s in its overall pipeline across firm orders, options and purchase rights, alongside leased aircraft, giving it the widebody capacity needed to support future long-haul routes and meet operational requirements for transatlantic flying.