Kazakhstan’s Air Astana has posted record results as it continues its operational restructure and expansion.

The carrier achieved a record profit after tax of $47 million on revenues of $546 million for 2009. That's a gain of 176 per cent over 2008 and a 34 per cent increase over the previous best year of 2007 and comes despite a 16 per cent decline in revenues.

“Although there was a one-off currency gain of $8.2 million after devaluation of the Kazakh Tengue in February 2009, the result represents the effectiveness of cost saving measures from mid 2008”, stated Air Astana president Peter Foster.

Peter Foster, President, Air Astana

“The fact that we were not fuel hedged until April 2009 meant that we took full advantage of price falls. Add to that unit cost savings across the airline, and in particular the dismantling of general sales agency agreements in Kazakhstan and Russia following the implementation of IATA eBSPs in both markets, and the year was very satisfactory in spite of the drop in revenues.”

Air Astana's passenger and cargo revenue are showing signs of recovery and the forecast for 2010 is “fair to good” if the economic recovery continues. It recently took delivery of a sixth Fokker 50, its 22nd aircraft, and will introduce two Embraer 190 regional jets at the beginning of next year.

Air Astana is a joint venture between Kazakhstan’s national welfare fund Samruk Kazyna (51 per cent) and BAE Systems PLC (49 per cent). It commenced operations in May 2002.

Website: www.airastana.com