OREANDA-NEWS. November 16, 2011. The new Embraer 190 aircraft, the third of its kind for Air Astana, enlarges the national airline’s fleet. The aircraft came directly from the factory, which is located in the Brazilian city of Sao Jose dos Campos, arriving in Kazakhstan after four scheduled landings which were needed for refuelling the aircraft and resting the crew, reported the press-centre of Air Astana.

The new Brazilian aircraft is a gift from Air Astana to Astana city, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the independence of Kazakhstan. The jet airliner will replace the turbo propelled Fokker 50 aircraft on certain routes and make flights more comfortable for Astana’s residents and guests. The Embraer 190 will make regular flights from Astana to Kostanai, Kyzl-Orda, Atyrau and Aktau. In 2012, the Embraer 190 will also be used for new flights from Astana to Ulan Bator, Tashkent and Baku.

“Air Astana is committed to renewing the fleet’s airliners in order to maximize the comfort of our passengers”, says Peter Foster, President of Air Astana. “The flight range, efficiency and size of the Embraer 190 are ideal for the development of air service on certain routes with a high frequency of flights, especially for routes to neighbouring countries, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia and Georgia.”

The first two Embraer 190 aircraft arrived in Kazakhstan in the first half of 2011. These aircraft fly to Kazakhstani cities as well as to other CIS countries. All three aircraft are being leased. In mid-2011, Air Astana signed an agreement with Embraer Aircraft Holding for the purchase of two Embraer 190 airliners. By 2012 the number of Brazilian aircraft in the Air Astana fleet will reach six units.

The Embraer 190 was selected due to its advanced design, passenger comfort, economy and effectiveness in use, and because of its lower costs for maintenance and aviation fuel. Capacity of the Embraer 190 is 97 seats — 9 seats in business class and 88 seats in economy class. The twin-engine jet aircraft is ideal for flying medium range distances. The maximum flying range is 4,200 kilometres.

The addition of a new type of aircraft to Air Astana’s fleet has required a major effort in training engineers, pilots and maintenance personnel. There are currently more than 70 pilots who have been trained to fly the Embraer 190 aircraft. Additionally, 334 flight attendants have been trained.

The flagship of Kazakhstan’s civil aviation invites everyone to visit Kazakhstan during the celebration of the country’s 20th anniversary of independence!