Ibrahim Canliel assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Air Astana Group on April 1, 2026, succeeding Peter Foster, who retired after 20 years at the helm.
Canliel joined Air Astana in 2003 in senior commercial roles and has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2017. He contributed to the group’s dual listing on the London and Kazakhstan stock exchanges in 2024. In his new position, Canliel oversees Air Astana and low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan, prioritizing operational resilience, sustainable growth, and expansion in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
“I am delighted and feel privileged to take the helm as CEO of the Air Astana Group today,” Canliel said. “Whilst this is a significant milestone personally, it also provides continuity to all our 7,000 employees and stakeholders.” He highlighted the group’s strategic location, noting nearly half the world’s population lives within reach, and committed to upholding global operational and safety standards, strong corporate governance, and commercial independence.
Foster, who led since 2005, expanded the network, launched FlyArystan in 2019, and positioned Air Astana as Central Asia’s largest carrier by fleet and revenue. He steps down as CEO and board member but remains Senior Advisor.
Nurlan Zhakupov, Board Chairman, stated: “The Board of Directors would like to thank Peter Foster for his outstanding achievement in guiding the company for 20 years… The Board has the fullest confidence that [Canliel] will guide the company to continued growth and success.” A handover period preceded the transition, with new CFO Gonçalo Pires appointed effective March 1, 2026.