New budget airline FlyArystan is promising cheap fares that aim to lure people from the trains and buses they traditionally use to get around Kazakhstan.
The Almaty-based carrier took to the skies for its first revenue flight May 1 and will start life two Airbus A320s serving six domestic routes of between one and three hours.
The budget offshoot of Air Astana already has a 160-strong workforce that includes 25 pilots and 45 flight attendants.
It expects to receive a further two A320s in the fourth quarter of this year and should be operating at least 12 routes by that time as it looks to obtain an air operator’s certificate under its own right.
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With the cheap fares, of course, come the fees and charges that typify low-cost travel.
Kazakhstan brought in legislative changes to enable airlines to start charging for baggage and FlyArystan will be hitting travelers with more than 5 kilos of hand luggage with a variable cost depending on the length of their trip.
However, airline officials say the luggage fees will not be “out of kilter” with its low fares.
Passengers will also need to buy refreshments and snacks from the onboard FlyArystan café, and again the airline says prices will complement its low airfares. The menu includes local beer, baguettes, pot noodles and chocolate bars.
The aircraft have been painted in a striking red and white livery and retrofitted with 180 new blue Recaro slimline seats with red headrests.
Photo: Yelena Sergiyenko
Seat pitch is the standard tight 29 inches found on many LCCs but the airline says it "has the feel of 31 inches" due to the curve of the seat and positioning of the seatback pockets.
Its logo is a lion which, says, FlyArystan boss Tim Jordan, reflects the fact the airline is doing something new and different for the people of Kazakhstan and is a popular and revered animal in the region.
The new LCC has mid-term plans to expand into regional international routes and expects to grow its fleet to at least 15 aircraft by 2022.
But first it will be out to capture the locals.
“With this exciting new airline we are courting a new generation of travelers,’’ said Jordan.
“People who typically get around our large country using the train or bus, or those who don’t travel at all.
“We are pitching FlyArystan at the visiting friends and relatives market, primarily.
“In turn, this will stimulate the leisure market as a second strand, together with an element of business travel.”
Jordan said a number of destinations handed over to the LCC by Air Astana would suit a different, more price-conscious demographic.
“Accordingly, we aim to introduce some purchase options giving flexibility for business flyers, including offering refunds or the ability to change tickets, albeit at higher tariffs,” he said.
