Passengers carried during the first six months of 2008 increased by 16 per cent to 1.3 million, with the total expected to reach 2.4 million for the full year.

Passenger revenue increased by 26 per cent to US$312 million and cargo revenue was up 30 per cent. Almost 14,000 scheduled passenger flights were undertaken, with an average load factor of 64 per cent.

The carrier's fleet grew to 21 aircraft during the first half of 2008 following the delivery of three additional A320 aircraft. Six more A320 aircraft have been ordered.

Additional aircraft capacity enabled the airline to increase frequencies on domestic trunk routes from both Astana and Almaty, whilst international service frequencies were increased to Frankfurt, Istanbul and Moscow.

“Air Astana has rapidly established itself as the industry leader in the CIS region, with a commitment to a modern, Western fleet, operational reliability and constant innovation in passenger service," said Peter Foster, president of Air Astana.

Air Astana is a joint venture between Kazakhstan’s Samruk State Holding (51 per cent) and BAE Systems (49 per cent).

The airline commenced regular flight operations in May 2002 and currently operates a network of 25 domestic and 21 international destinations from its hubs in Almaty, Astana and Atyrau.

In Australia, Air Astana freight is represented by MCHHoldings in Melbourne.