The award recognises the company's outstanding in-flight service, which has been continuously improving throughout the carrier's 20-year history. Air Astana passengers can enjoy watching the latest movie releases and documentaries in different languages, with the in-flight media library including movies from Kazakhstani and an excellent selection of entertainment for children. In autumn 2022, Air Astana introduced a special “Accessibility” section in the library, with content intended for both hearing and visually impaired passengers. Since the beginning of this year, popular podcasts have also been available on board.
Air Astana commenced its operations in May 2002 as a joint venture between Kazakhstan’s national wealth fund, Samruk Kazyna, and BAE Systems, with respective shares of 51% and 49%. It is headed up by Yorkshireman Peter Foster, OBE. The airline is a full-service international and domestic carrier, with its low-cost division, FlyArystan, rapidly growing in regional and domestic markets since being launched in 2019.