AIR ASTANA: THE OFFICIAL AIR CARRIER FOR ASTANA EXPO 2017

Monday 17th August 2015

JSC NC Astana EXPO-2017 has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Air Astana, Kazakhstan's flag carrier, to become a partner in this major international exhibition and hold the exclusive status of  "Official Air Carrier of EXPO-2017". The official signing ceremony was held in Astana today, with the signatories being JSC NC Astana EXPO-2017's Chairman, Akhmetzhan Yesimov and JSC Air Astana President, Peter Foster.

"Air Astana is the largest airline in Kazakhstan, and the memorandum signed today will be the first step in our cooperation. With its international reach across Asia, Central Asia, Europe and the Middle East, the airline will be able to promote this major project around the world. We have agreed to place the EXPO 2017 logo on all of Air Astana's aircraft and to develop a joint promotional plan for the exhibition, which will be enormously beneficial to building international awareness," said Akhmetzhan Yesimov.

"The theme of EXPO 17 will be "Future Energy" and the event will focus on innovative and practical energy solutions and their global impact. The airline industry is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and at Air Astana we continue to take corrective action through the introduction of greener technology. At the recent Paris air show we announced our intention to acquire a fleet of Airbus A320 family NEO aircraft, whose new engine technology should save up to 15% of emissions. The NEOs will be introduced from 2016. The EXPO 17 site is well underway, and we look forward to supporting what will be a fascinating and enjoyable extended event, as Astana opens its arms to the world," added Peter Foster.

Within the framework of the memorandum of cooperation, there are plans to integrate the airline's online reservation system onto the event web site www.expo2017astana.com  and also activate a joint PR-campaign. Additionally all   Astana transit and arriving in passengers will be given tickets to the exhibition in 2017.

ABOUT JSC NC ASTANA EXPO 2017

JSC NC Astana EXPO 2017  was established in January 2015 to plan and implement the international exhibition EXPO 2017, with the event being held in Astana from 10th June to 10th September. The event is expected to attract exhibitors from more than 100 countries, with participation by 10 international organizations and  10 leading innovation & technology companies. EXPO 2017 is targeting more than 2 million visitors.

ABOUT AIR ASTANA

Air Astana is a joint venture between Kazakhstan's national wealth fund, Samruk Kazyna, and BAE Systems, with respective shares of 51% and 49%.

Air Astana commenced regular flight operations on 15 May 2002 and currently operates a network of over 60 international and domestic routes from hubs in Almaty and Astana.  Airline's fleet consists of 30 western-made aircrafts Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 757-200, Airbus A320 and Embraer E190.

www.airastana.com