Air Astana has taken delivery of the first A321neo at the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany.
The aircraft is on an operating lease from Aercap, with the deal including two further A321neo and one A320neo aircraft for delivery planned in 2018.
The Air Astana A321neo is configured with 28 business and 151 economy class seats, all of which are equipped with personal in-flight entertainment systems.
The A321neo is powered by the latest generation Pratt & Whitney engines, which together with aerodynamic improvements, make it the quietest aircraft in its class and also delivers fuel consumption 15 per cent lower than the previous model.
The cabin features larger overhead-bin capacity and a new mood-lighting system with LED technology.
The aircraft will be operated on Air Astana’s network of domestic and regional routes.
Air Astana currently operates 13 A320 aircraft and one A320neo, which was delivered in 2016.
The carrier plans to increase the fleet of A320neo family aircraft to 17 by 2020.
Air Astana, the national carrier of Kazakhstan, operates flights to over 60 domestic and international routes from hubs in Astana and Almaty.
The company was incorporated in late 2001 and commenced operations in May 2002.
The Air Astana fleet consists of Boeing 767, 757, Airbus A319, A320, A320neo, A321 and Embraer 190 aircraft.