Air Astana is eyeing an impressive expansion within Asia. The Kazakhstan flag carrier has been fairly busy in 2019 with the launch of its new low-cost carrier Fly Arystan. In fact, earlier this week Simple Flying called Air Astana an airline to watch in 2020.

The airline had already proved that it is one to watch in the coming year with the launch of its new low-cost subsidiary. Now, the airline has reaffirmed this by announcing an impressive expansion with its new fleet of Airbus A321LR aircraft. Air Astana has ordered seven of these aircraft intended to replace its fleet of Boeing 757 aircraft, however, they will also be rolled out to new destinations in Asia over the next two years.

Where might Air Astana add?

Air Astana is yet to release any firm details of destinations to which it will expand in Asia, but the Kazakh airline has given us a taste of what to expect.

The airline has a number of different Asian destinations in mind. So far, it has announced that it is considering three destinations. These destinations are Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo. The east Asian destinations are not currently served by the airline.

Air Astana, Fly Arystan, 2020
Under the new legislation, the British government can immediately revoke permits and issue a restriction of flying order. Photo: Airbus

Other Asian destinations

Air Astana's stunning new Airbus A321LRs will also be seen gracing other destinations within Asia. These destinations are currently being operated by the Boeing 757, an aircraft with which Air Astana currently flies to four other Asian destinations. The other Asian destinations served by the Boeing 757 are Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul.

In addition, the Airbus A321LR will also be flying to European destinations. So far Air Astana has revealed that the aircraft will serve destinations including Paris and London. The airline will fly to London from March of 2020. Paris will follow in the summer, with the route launching in June.

Why should we watch Air Astana in 2020?

With Air Astana's increased routes, it could potentially offer some great connections between Europe and Asia. The airline's Almaty hub is perfectly situated between Europe and the airline's Asian destinations. The aircraft will come equipped with 16 business class seats and 150 in economy.

Air Astana, Fly Arystan, 2020
Air Astana placed a letter of intent for 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at the 2019 Dubai Airshow. With FlyArystan as its subsidiary, it will fly a portion of that order. Photo: Boeing

Additionally, Air Astana will work on expanding the network of its low-cost subsidiary, Fly Arystan. At the recent Dubai Airshow, the airline signed a letter of intent for 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for Fly Arystan. Additionally, the six-month-old LCC is due to operate its inaugural international flight later this month. The flight will operate to the city of Moscow in Russia.

Would you like to fly to East-Asia onboard an Air Astana A321LR? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!