OREANDA-NEWS.  August 03, 2012. Air Astana services between Almaty and Urumqi, Western China, will increase from three times a week to daily service with effect from 1st August 2012, whist services from Astana to Urumqi will increase from twice weekly to four times a week with effect from 17th September 2012. Increased frequencies will provide greater connectivity for passengers travelling between Russia, Central Asia, Europe and Urumqi. All eleven weekly services to Urumqi will be operated by Airbus A320 in 16 business class/132 economy configuration, reported the press-centre of Air Astana.

Services to Urumqi from Astana and Almaty commenced in November 2009 and July 2010 respectively. As result of the stimulated demand, over 150,000 passengers and 130 tons of freight have been carried on these rapidly growing routes to date.

"Flights from Kazakhstan to Urumqi, China’s regional trading hub, have proven to be very popular with both businessmen and tourists over the past three years. Trade between the two countries has expanded dramatically. Whilst Kazakh tourists are attracted by world famous Chinese heritage sites, bathhouses and exquisite cuisine, Chinese visitors travelling to Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth largest country have been attracted by the diversity of sophisticated, alpine Almaty and its ski resorts, futuristic Astana, Silk Road heritage sites and the boundless steppes. By increased services and consequent connectivity we aim to offer a new gateway between Urumqi and our expanding network to Russia, Central Asia, Turkey and Caucasus ” said Ibrahim Canliel, Air Astana Vice President Marketing and Sales, Air Astana.

Travelling with Air Astana to Urumqi, passengers can enjoy safe, reliable and comfortable service, which was awarded 4-star airline status and the title of “Best Airline in Central & South Asia” by Skytrax in recent months. Passengers can also take advantage of the Nomad Club Frequent Flyer Programme as well as a range of flight connections across the region.

The Astana-Urumqi flight takes two hours and 20 minutes, while Almaty-Urumqi flight takes one hour and 40 minutes.

To book visit our website www.airastana.com, or call the 24/7 Call Centre at +7 (727) 244 4477. Tickets can also be purchases via Air Astana city and airport Ticket Offices and from Air Astana appointed agents.