Kazakhstan Eyes Direct Astana–New York Flights in 2027 as Air Astana Tests Dreamliner

Kazakhstan could launch direct flights between Astana and New York in 2027, Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev said. The route depends on the expected completion of a United States aviation safety assessment and the planned introduction of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

A team of auditors from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration visited Kazakhstan several weeks earlier and gave a positive preliminary assessment of its civil aviation system. The final report is expected in November, and Kazakhstan aims to obtain authorization to operate U.S. flights by the end of this year.

Air Astana's first Boeing 787-9, registered as EI-KZA, began factory flight testing in Charleston, South Carolina, on Oct. 1. The first three Dreamliners are expected to enter service in 2027, gradually replacing its 767-300ER aircraft. Lastayev said crews and technicians must also complete required flight hours before the launch.