The national carrier of Kazakhstan, Air Astana, has received its first new-generation Embraer E190-E2. The new single-aisle aircraft is the first of five Embraer E190-E2 aircraft scheduled to be delivered to Air Astana following an order originally placed in August 2017.

Air Astana currently operates a fleet of nine Embraer E190 aircraft on domestic and low-density regional services, with the first aircraft having entered service in 2011. The new generation Embraer E190-E2 aircraft will gradually replace older Embraer E190s in the fleet.

READ: We Review Etihad’s Business Class on its 787 Dreamliner

 The new aircraft features a special Air Astana “Snow Leopard” livery, which is intended to draw global attention to the threat of extinction faced by this large wild cat, which is a native of the mountain ranges in southern Kazakhstan.  Air Astana seeks to improve ecological protection for endangered species, like the snow leopard, as well as more widely preserving the environment.

The twin engine, single aisle Embraer E190-E2 belongs to the family of upgraded E-Jets, which offer lower operating costs, emissions and noise levels, with a range of more than 5,000 km.

READ: 5 Steps to Protecting Yourself From COVID-19 When Travelling

Air Astana, the national carrier of Kazakhstan, operates flights to over 60 domestic and international routes from hubs in Astana and Almaty and operates a fleet of Boeing 767 and 757s, as well as Airbus A320 Family aircraft including A320neo and A321neo and Embraer E190 aircraft.

Air Astana became the first carrier from Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eastern Europe to be awarded the prestigious 4-Star rating by Skytrax and has also been named ‘The Best Airline in Central Asia and India’ since 2012.

Also in the Headlines…

AA Extends Elite Status & Other Rewards

5 Steps to Protecting Yourself From COVID-19 When Travelling

Airline Review: Middle Eastern Hospitality at its Best