Air Astana (KC) has once again proven its position as an industry benchmark in regional aviation after securing two prestigious accolades at the 2026 World Airline Awards. Held on 18 September 2026 at the iconic Langham Hotel in London, the ceremony was organized by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization. During the event, Air Astana was named the Best Airline in Central Asia & CIS for an impressive 15th consecutive year, while also capturing the award for Best Airline Staff Service in Central Asia & CIS for the tenth time.
These milestone achievements demonstrate that Air Astana continues to lead the region in quality and service delivery, with 2026 marking another year of double-award success at the World Airline Awards. This continued recognition reinforces its position as the top-rated carrier in Central Asia & CIS and reflects strong customer appreciation of the airline’s consistently high standards and quality of staff service. The group’s performance highlights a well-rounded operational model that satisfies passengers across different cabin products and network segments.
Adding to the overall success of the aviation group, FlyArystan, the Group’s low-cost carrier, also confirmed its regional leadership by receiving the Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia & CIS award for the fourth consecutive year. Together, both entities have established a dominant market presence that caters seamlessly to both full-service legacy travelers and budget-conscious passengers across the Central Asian and CIS aviation landscape.
Acknowledging the continuous achievements of the flag carrier, Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said, “Air Astana’s success at this year’s World Airline Awards serves to highlight the high standards of their front line service and product standards. Customers show a strong appreciation of their service, and this success in 2026 demonstrates Air Astana’s dedication to providing an excellent quality of onboard experience, and consistent service delivery.”
Expressing gratitude for the widespread support from passengers and crew, Ibrahim Canliel, CEO of Air Astana Group, commented, “We are honoured to receive these prestigious Skytrax awards for both Air Astana and FlyArystan. This recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects the views of our passengers and demonstrates the strength of both airlines across their respective market segments. I would like to thank our customers for their continued trust and loyalty, and our entire team for their dedication and commitment to delivering the highest standards of safety and service. We will continue to invest in our people, our fleet and our customer experience as Air Astana Group enters the next stage of its growth.”