AIR ASTANA LEASES FIVE E190-E2s FROM AERCAP

Wednesday 2nd August 2017

Air Astana, the national carrier of Kazakhstan, has signed a long-term lease agreement with AerCap for five Embraer E190-E2s, which will commence delivery to the airline during the final quarter of 2018.

Peter Foster, President and CEO of Air Astana, stated that, "The acquisition of the E2 is the logical replacement of the E190, which we have been successfully operating since 2011. The E190 has enabled us to open up smaller markets in southern Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia including smaller domestic routes. As domestic and regional competition grows, we estimate the E2 will deliver up to 15% seat cost savings, which will enable us to increase capacity and market share on these routes and maintain our position as the region's leading airline. We are delighted to have concluded the lease agreements with AerCap, with whom we have been working closely for many years."

"We are very pleased to confirm our lease of five E190-E2 jets to Air Astana," commented AerCap President and Chief Commercial Officer, Philip Scruggs. "The E2 aircraft offer greater range and operational efficiency which will support Air Astana's growing network and open new market opportunities. AerCap is proud to support our partners at Air Astana and Embraer, and we wish them every success."

"Since receiving their first E190 in 2011, Air Astana has opened several new markets. In addition, Air Astana has won 'Best Airline in Central Asia and India' in the Skytrax World Airline Awards for the last six consecutive years. Embraer is proud to be part of this outstanding success story, and the strong relationship between our companies and AerCap, who are a major partner on the E2 program," said John Slattery, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation.

AerCap is the launch lessor customer of Embraer's E-Jets E2 second generation of this family of commercial aircraft, with a total of 50 Embraer E190-E2s and E195-E2s on order.

About Air BP:

Air Astana, the national carrier of Kazakhstan, operates flights to over 60 domestic and international routes. The company was incorporated in late 2001 and commenced operations on 15 May 2002. The Air Astana fleet consists of Boeing 767, 757, Airbus A319, A320, A320neo, A321 and Embraer 190 aircraft. Air Astana became the first carrier from Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (the CIS) and Eastern Europe to be awarded the prestigious 4-Star rating by Skytrax at its World Airline Awards 2012 and was also named 'The Best Airline in Central Asia and India' that year. Both achievements were repeated in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.