Kazakhstan’s low-cost carrier FlyArystan today marks its seventh anniversary, presenting key figures and facts that reflect its contribution to the development of affordable aviation in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Since its launch in 2019, the airline has carried over 21 million passengers, becoming one of the key drivers of growth in Kazakhstan’s domestic aviation market. The low-cost model has opened access to air travel for a broad audience: millions of people have flown for the first time, while the geography of travel within the country and beyond has significantly expanded.
Johan Eidhagen, President and CEO of FlyArystan JSC:
“Over seven years, FlyArystan has become part of Kazakhstan’s mobility system, making air travel accessible to millions and connecting regions across the country. We have not only increased passenger traffic – we have transformed the very approach to travel, shaping a culture of ‘smart’ journeys where people fly more often, travel light, and pay affordable prices. Since the company’s launch, 40% of all tickets have been sold at prices below 20,000 tenge, clearly demonstrating the demand for our model. Our priority is to continue expanding accessibility while maintaining a balance between efficiency, service quality, and sustainable development”.
Throughout its operations, the airline has made a significant contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s tourism potential by connecting regions, improving transport accessibility, supporting the growth of domestic tourism, and stimulating inbound travel through the launch of new international routes and stronger ties with neighboring countries.Over seven years, FlyArystan has operated more than 140,000 flights, ensuring stable connectivity between regions and opening access to new destinations. Today, the airline’s route network comprises 40 destinations, including 14 international routes.
The fleet has grown to 28 Airbus A320 aircraft, enabling increased capacity and flexibility in responding to rising travel demand. According to the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, total passenger traffic of airlines in 2025 reached 20.7 million, of which 15.4 million were carried by domestic carriers. Against this backdrop, FlyArystan transported more than 4.5 million passengers last year, accounting for around 29% of total passenger traffic by Kazakh airlines. This means nearly every third passenger carried by Kazakh airlines chose FlyArystan, highlighting the scale of its contribution and sustained demand for the low-cost model.
FlyArystan became the first airline in Central Asia to introduce the low-cost business model. It is based on the principle “pay for what you use”: the standard fare includes only the flight, while additional services are selected by passengers. This approach helps optimize ticket prices and maintain affordability. Passenger behavior is also evolving: the share of solo travelers decreased from 77.7% in 2024 to 41% in 2025, indicating a shift toward group travel with family, friends, or organized groups.
The flexible low-cost model also shapes travel habits. According to last year’s data, 4 out of 5 passengers consistently travel with minimal carry-on baggage, which since March 1, 2026 is set at 7 kg. At the same time, 4 out of 10 passengers purchase additional services – from seat selection and baggage to onboard meals – while every third passenger connects to the free Fly&Fun on-board entertainment system during the flight. In this way, the airline continues to build a culture of rational travel, offering flexibility and transparent pricing.
A key growth factor has been the transition to a more digital customer experience: 93% of domestic passengers use free online check-in, and the number of active users of the FlyArystan mobile app exceeds 700,000. Meanwhile, the number of unique website users is comparable to passenger traffic and exceeded 4.5 million in 2025.
The airline continues to enhance customer comfort and convenience by introducing technological solutions and modern services. Self-service iJan terminals were first installed in 2022 at Almaty International Airport and later expanded across the network. Last year, the number of users increased by 15% year-on-year, reflecting growing passenger readiness for self-service. At the same time, there is a clear and sustained decline in the number of printed tickets – in 2025, their volume decreased by 77% compared to 2024, indicating a shift by passengers toward digital formats and contributing to a reduction in the carbon footprint.
Beyond operational performance, FlyArystan places strong emphasis on social responsibility and sustainable development. Over seven years, the airline has implemented a number of initiatives in inclusion, sports development, and environmental protection, including large-scale tree planting in the Abay region, where nearly 1.5 million seedlings have been planted over three years. The “Komek” program was also launched, offering discounts of up to 50% and 100% for socially vulnerable passenger categories.
Today, FlyArystan continues to expand its route network, increase flight frequencies, and introduce new solutions aimed at improving the customer experience. The effectiveness of its model is also confirmed by international recognition – FlyArystan has been named Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia and the CIS by Skytrax three times. The company remains focused on further expanding accessibility of air travel and contributing to Kazakhstan’s economic and tourism development.
Since its launch in 2019, the airline has carried over 21 million passengers, becoming one of the key drivers of growth in Kazakhstan’s domestic aviation market. The low-cost model has opened access to air travel for a broad audience: millions of people have flown for the first time, while the geography of travel within the country and beyond has significantly expanded.
Johan Eidhagen, President and CEO of FlyArystan JSC:
“Over seven years, FlyArystan has become part of Kazakhstan’s mobility system, making air travel accessible to millions and connecting regions across the country. We have not only increased passenger traffic – we have transformed the very approach to travel, shaping a culture of ‘smart’ journeys where people fly more often, travel light, and pay affordable prices. Since the company’s launch, 40% of all tickets have been sold at prices below 20,000 tenge, clearly demonstrating the demand for our model. Our priority is to continue expanding accessibility while maintaining a balance between efficiency, service quality, and sustainable development”.
Throughout its operations, the airline has made a significant contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s tourism potential by connecting regions, improving transport accessibility, supporting the growth of domestic tourism, and stimulating inbound travel through the launch of new international routes and stronger ties with neighboring countries.Over seven years, FlyArystan has operated more than 140,000 flights, ensuring stable connectivity between regions and opening access to new destinations. Today, the airline’s route network comprises 40 destinations, including 14 international routes.
The fleet has grown to 28 Airbus A320 aircraft, enabling increased capacity and flexibility in responding to rising travel demand. According to the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, total passenger traffic of airlines in 2025 reached 20.7 million, of which 15.4 million were carried by domestic carriers. Against this backdrop, FlyArystan transported more than 4.5 million passengers last year, accounting for around 29% of total passenger traffic by Kazakh airlines. This means nearly every third passenger carried by Kazakh airlines chose FlyArystan, highlighting the scale of its contribution and sustained demand for the low-cost model.
FlyArystan became the first airline in Central Asia to introduce the low-cost business model. It is based on the principle “pay for what you use”: the standard fare includes only the flight, while additional services are selected by passengers. This approach helps optimize ticket prices and maintain affordability. Passenger behavior is also evolving: the share of solo travelers decreased from 77.7% in 2024 to 41% in 2025, indicating a shift toward group travel with family, friends, or organized groups.
The flexible low-cost model also shapes travel habits. According to last year’s data, 4 out of 5 passengers consistently travel with minimal carry-on baggage, which since March 1, 2026 is set at 7 kg. At the same time, 4 out of 10 passengers purchase additional services – from seat selection and baggage to onboard meals – while every third passenger connects to the free Fly&Fun on-board entertainment system during the flight. In this way, the airline continues to build a culture of rational travel, offering flexibility and transparent pricing.
A key growth factor has been the transition to a more digital customer experience: 93% of domestic passengers use free online check-in, and the number of active users of the FlyArystan mobile app exceeds 700,000. Meanwhile, the number of unique website users is comparable to passenger traffic and exceeded 4.5 million in 2025.
The airline continues to enhance customer comfort and convenience by introducing technological solutions and modern services. Self-service iJan terminals were first installed in 2022 at Almaty International Airport and later expanded across the network. Last year, the number of users increased by 15% year-on-year, reflecting growing passenger readiness for self-service. At the same time, there is a clear and sustained decline in the number of printed tickets – in 2025, their volume decreased by 77% compared to 2024, indicating a shift by passengers toward digital formats and contributing to a reduction in the carbon footprint.
Beyond operational performance, FlyArystan places strong emphasis on social responsibility and sustainable development. Over seven years, the airline has implemented a number of initiatives in inclusion, sports development, and environmental protection, including large-scale tree planting in the Abay region, where nearly 1.5 million seedlings have been planted over three years. The “Komek” program was also launched, offering discounts of up to 50% and 100% for socially vulnerable passenger categories.
Today, FlyArystan continues to expand its route network, increase flight frequencies, and introduce new solutions aimed at improving the customer experience. The effectiveness of its model is also confirmed by international recognition – FlyArystan has been named Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia and the CIS by Skytrax three times. The company remains focused on further expanding accessibility of air travel and contributing to Kazakhstan’s economic and tourism development.