Air Astana has recently presented Upcycling for the Future, its pilot project aimed at creatively recycling used aircraft parts. The airline's green initiative also marks the first time in Kazakstan's aviation history that an airline is recycling aircraft parts. And starting the project off was the decommissioned spare parts from Air Astana's Airbus A320 and Boeing 767 aircraft.

Air Astana is 'Upcycling for the Future'

The spare parts included the aircraft nose cones, luggage compartment lids, seat frames, and other cabin furnishings, all of which were transformed into a varied collection of furniture and interior decorations. For example, the cabin upholstery fabrics were sewn into backpacks and armchairs. Benches, tables, and chairs were constructed from seat frames and compartment lids.

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According to Air Astana, the items from recycled aircraft parts are suitable for indoor and outdoor daily use and are perfect for either office or residential purposes. Every item can also withstand various temperatures and climatic conditions due to the technologies used during the recycling process.

A free-to-enter exhibition of these recycled aircraft parts will be displayed at the Esentay Gallery in Almaty from October 21st until October 25th, allowing interested parties to get a better glimpse, feel, and understanding of the items before making any purchases.

It is also likely that the Upcycling for the Future project will have more items in the future as the airline gradually retires some of its aircraft, as highlighted by Peter Foster, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Air Astana Group:

"Through the Upcycling for the Future project, we can creatively recycle unique aircraft parts and rare materials. As a result, we not only produce durable products that meet the goals of sustainable development, but also preserve the spirit of the aircraft and the travel emotions of passengers in a completely new environment that can be used in an everyday context."

Road to sustainability with Air Astana

Besides the Upcycling for the Future project, Air Astana will be gradually implementing various policies to continuously support its development in sustainability, such as the separate collection of wastes in offices. The airline is also planning to implement more advanced technological solutions that reduce paper usage in its offices.

Aside from reducing its paper usage, Air Astana is gradually renewing its fleet to include more fuel-efficient aircraft. The most recent new-generation addition to the airline's fleet was its ninth Airbus A321LR registered as EI-KGJ, which was on lease from Air Lease Corporation and will be operating its international route network.

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With the addition of the ninth Airbus A321LR, Air Astana currently operates a fleet of 40 aircraft consisting of 32 Airbus A320/A321 family aircraft, three Boeing 767s, and five Embraer E2s. The fleet renewal is expected to stop by the end of the year when Air Astana will receive its tenth Airbus A321LR, registered as EI-KGI.

What do you think of Air Astana's Upcycling for the Future project? Would you buy any of the items from the program? Let us know in the comments below!