​Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s multi-award-winning national airline, has added to its extensive collection  of accolades with the APEX Award of  “Best entertainment system in Central and South Asia"  at a ceremony held in Istanbul on 27th April. The airline previously won the same award in 2022.
 
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 has always been proud to be amongst the world's leading airlines in providing a high level of inflight service. Whilst being responsible for passenger safety at all times, we also seek to ensure that every journey is relaxing and entertaining, with an excellent selection of the latest movies, TV series, documentaries, podcasts and music suited to different tastes,” said Yelena Obukhova, Vice President of In-flight Service of Air Astana. “We constantly analyse market trends and carefully monitor passengers’ in-flight entertainment preferences and proud that our efforts are once again recognised with this APEX Award.”

About Air Astana Group
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.

​The return of tourists to London has given a much-needed boost to the arts and entertainment industry so badly hit by covid restrictions.
 
I had the pleasure of being part of this turn-around a few days ago when I went to the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End to see Matilda The Musical, inspired by Roald Dahl’s book. Produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the story follows the life of a young and gifted girl who, on starting school, takes a stand against adversity and changes her life and her destiny.

Many of the cast were children themselves and they threw everything into the performance. So good were they that I began to feel a little sorry for the adults in the cast!

For over ten years the Olivier award-winning show has been a must-see hit of the West End and it remains a highlight of any trip to London. It’s no surprise that the show has won 99 international awards, including 24 for Best Musical, and continues to delight audiences of all ages. I’ll happily endorse that.

The story and the energetic performance also means that Matilda the Musical makes a great introduction to live theatre for children, including those of primary school age. Who knows, it may change some of their lives too.

To book, call the theatre box office on 020 3925 2998 or in person at the Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU. For more information, go to https://uk.matildathemusical.com
 
Images by Manuel Harlan.