23.10.2012, 13:12 3841

Kazakhstan's Air Astana expands to the East

"However, for Kazakhstan to become a hub it will need upgraded airport infrastructure. "While Almaty Airport recently installed Cat-3B, its capacity is limited and its charges are too high," said Foster.

New Jersey. October 23. Kazakhstan Today - Air Astana is looking deep into Asia to expand its network. It was caused by its inclusion on the European Union blacklist, which frustrates its ambitions to expand west.

According to AIN Online, "Air Astana's discussions over a code-share partnership with Royal Jordanian, which follows an analogous strategy, is no coincidence. Royal Jordanian has developed Amman into a hub for the Levant region, straddling western Asia, the eastern Mediterranean and northeast Africa. As in central Asia, small and relatively weak flag carriers traditionally have served the region, according to independent consultant the Center for Asia Pacific Aviation."

"Royal Jordanian has a good network in North Africa and Israel," Air Astana president Peter Foster told AIN. "These are good markets for us that we are keen to explore." The airline plans to pursue bilateral arrangements similar to the one it hopes to forge with Royal Jordanian. "[There is] no need to go through the expense of joining an alliance...We have a unique network," Foster added.

"However, for Kazakhstan to become a hub it will need upgraded airport infrastructure. "While Almaty Airport recently installed Cat-3B, its capacity is limited and its charges are too high," said Foster. He believes that a new airport holding company will improve the situation.

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