Air Astana announced leadership transition and strategic appointments

[Press Release]    Peter Foster, who has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2005, guiding the airline through multiple phases of growth and positioning it as a leading carrier in Kazakhstan, will retire from his position as CEO at the end of March 2026. Peter Foster will remain connected to the Group in the role of Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors.

Effective 1 April 2026, Ibrahim Canliel, Chief Financial Officer of Air Astana is appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer following the Company’s earlier announcement in October 2025.

In connection with Ibrahim Canliel’s transition to CEO, Air Astana has appointed Gonçalo Pires as Chief Financial Officer. He joins Air Astana from TAP Air Portugal, where he most recently served as CFO, bringing significant experience in airline finance, restructuring and digital transformation.

Air Astana remains committed to its long‑term strategy of network expansion, fleet modernization and operational excellence, building on a strong foundation and positioning the Group for continued success in a dynamic global aviation environment.

Air Astana provides scheduled, point-to-point and transit, short-haul and long-haul air travel and cargo on domestic, regional and international routes across Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Far East, the Gulf, India and Europe.

This press release is distributed by MaxMedia on behalf of Air Astana,
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