Air Astana cargo revenue rose by more than 100 percent as the Kazakhstani flag carrier pitched in with record growth during the first half of 2007.

No freight tonnage figures were given by the carrier, but it provides belly cargo services to Beijing, Seoul and Bangkok from its Almaty base that has become a busy transhipment hub on the China-Russia and Asia-Europe routes.

Passengers carried during the first six months of 2007 increased by 42 percent to 970,000 and are expected to exceed two million for the full year. Passenger revenue increased by more than 50 percent.

The Air Astana fleet grew to 18 aircraft during the first half of 2007 following the delivery of two Boeing 767-300ERs, two Airbus A320s and two A321s. The fleet is destined to grow further with the arrival of additional Boeing and Airbus types over the next 12 months, and the carrier is on track to reach its target of 34 aircraft by 2014.

Service frequencies from Almaty to destinations in Asia have been increased in 2007, with Beijing currently served six times a week and Seoul twice a week. All year round services to Bangkok have been introduced and will be increased to three times a week with effect from October.

“Air Astana has entered a very dynamic and profitable phase of development, with record growth in capacity, passengers carried and fleet,” said Peter Foster, president of Air Astana.

“These achievements are matched by the commitment to continuously improve the quality and range of services available to our valued passengers both in the air and on the ground.”

Air Astana is a joint venture between the Government of Kazakhstan (51 percent) and BAE Systems (49 percent). The airline commenced regular flight operations in May 2002 and currently operates a fleet of 18 western aircraft on a network that includes 25 domestic and 17 international destinations. The airline is a full member of the International Air Transport Association.