OREANDA-NEWS. On 18 February 2008 was announced, that “Air Astana” JSC started realization of the huge investment project aimed at aircraft anti-icing services improvements at the RK airports. The total cost of the project is almost US$ 2 million.

This sum will be spent not only for purchasing of special equipment, anti-icing fluid and training courses of engineers, ramp agents and truck drivers, but also for coverage of expenses gone to special equipment delivery and maintenance, truck storage and garages. Terms of the project realization are 18 months.

The main reason of implementing this project is necessity in modernization of regional airports and in their supply with modern special equipment, different types of anti-icing fluid in order to increase safe operations of aircrafts during winter and snowy conditions.

Purchasing of 6 anti-icing trucks became the first step of airline initiative. 2 of the trucks have already been in use at KC’s hub in Astana. One truck each will go to Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kostanay, Pavlodar and Shymkent airports where this winter Air Astana started flights not only with Fokker-50 but also with Airbus A320/A321 or Boeing 757-200. The delivery of anti-acing trucks will be realized during two weeks by an industry leader KLM Equipment Services.

Airline also invited de-/anti-icing specialist consultant and planned to conduct special training courses for its own staff.

“Air Astana” is a full member of IATA and a single airline in Kazakhstan certified for fulfillment of the aircrafts maintenance on European standards EASA/ Part 145.

“Air Astana” JSC is  joint enterprise of Kazakhstan state Holding “Samruk” and English company "BAE System" with the share holding of 51% and 49% accordingly.

At the present day “Air Astana” aircraft fleet consist of western aircrafts such as B767-300, В757-200, А321, А320, F50.

Speech of Andrei Lapshin, MVK International Exhibition Company President, at the 5th Session of Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry