Air Astana celebrates 50th C-Check at the technical center

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Setting new standards in aircraft maintenance

Air Astana has set new standards in aircraft maintenance by successfully completing its 50th C-check on an Airbus A320. This achievement not only highlights the company’s technical expertise but also reflects its ongoing investments in modern infrastructure and qualified personnel. In the highly complex aviation industry, routine maintenance is crucial to ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of aircraft remain at the highest level. The C-check is one of the most demanding and time-consuming maintenance intervals, involving comprehensive inspections and repairs.

Importance of C-checks in aviation

A C-check is a thorough inspection of an aircraft, during which numerous components, systems, and structures are examined and serviced. This type of maintenance is essential to identify and address potential faults early on, before they can develop into safety-related issues. For Air Astana, which specializes in Airbus aircraft, each C-check involves over 20,000 man-hours, during which thousands of scheduled maintenance tasks are completed. These include technical inspections, repairs, and system overhauls, all performed strictly according to international aviation standards. It is crucial that the maintenance work is carried out with the utmost precision to meet EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) safety standards and maintain certifications.

The decision to conduct these C-checks in the company’s own technical centers, instead of outsourcing them, offers numerous advantages for Air Astana. Besides increased control over maintenance quality, the company also reduces its dependence on external service providers, which could otherwise limit flexibility and planning reliability.

Expansion of our own technical capacities

The successful completion of the 50th C-Check marks the culmination of a longer development phase at Air Astana, during which targeted investments were made in modern engineering infrastructure. Simultaneously, significant investments were made in the training of a highly qualified team of engineers and mechanics with international certifications, including EASA Part 66 licenses. These investments are a crucial factor in strengthening internal capabilities and ensuring the necessary expertise and technical equipment.

Since then, all types of C-checks have been carried out at the Air Astana Technical Centre in Astana and at the Almaty location. These include basic inspections as well as complex maintenance work such as C1, C2, C6, and C12 checks. Since 2019, 28 C1 checks, 5 C2 checks, 10 C6 checks, and 7 C12 checks have been performed independently. This continuous expansion ensures that the airline can independently manage the maintenance of its Airbus fleet, which is essential for the fleet’s reliability and safety.

Air Astana’s technical staff is highly trained to implement the regulations and standards of international aviation organizations. EASA Part 66 licensing guarantees that all maintenance and inspection work is carried out according to globally recognized guidelines. This expertise not only ensures high-quality aircraft maintenance but also promotes the development of specialist knowledge within Kazakhstan and strengthens the local aviation industry.

Impact on safety and reliability

The ability to perform state-of-the-art maintenance has a lasting impact on the operational reliability of the fleet. Our in-house technical center allows for the rapid detection and efficient resolution of faults, increasing aircraft availability and simultaneously strengthening customer loyalty through high reliability. Strict adherence to all regulations during C-checks ensures that aircraft are always in optimal technical condition and minimizes the risk of technical failures.

Furthermore, Air Astana’s independence in maintenance fosters innovation. Continuous development of technology and methodology positions the company for the future and enables it to respond flexibly to changing requirements in air transport. In addition, conducting C-checks independently contributes to reducing costs and waiting times, which has a positive impact on overall operations and profitability.

Conclusion

The completion of the 50th C-check at its own technical center is a significant milestone for Air Astana and a testament to the commitment and professionalism the company invests in aircraft maintenance. The combination of state-of-the-art engineering infrastructure, internationally certified specialists, and a clear strategic focus fosters the airline’s technical independence and ensures its high standards of aircraft reliability and safety.

By consistently utilizing its own maintenance capabilities compared to external service providers, Air Astana is positioning itself as a progressive European-Asian airline that prioritizes quality and service. This milestone will not only improve operational efficiency but also sustainably strengthen the expertise of the entire aviation industry in Kazakhstan.

This development makes Air Astana not only a reliable partner for passengers, but also an important driver of technological and economic progress in the region and beyond.

About the Air Astana Group

The Air Astana Group is the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus, measured by revenue and fleet size. The group operates a fleet of 62 aircraft, used by the full-service airline Air Astana (first flight in 2002) and FlyArystan, the low-cost carrier founded in 2019. The group operates scheduled flights, point-to-point connections, short- and long-haul transit flights, and also transports air freight. It serves domestic Kazakh, regional, and international routes in Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Far East, the Middle East, India, and Europe.

Air Astana has been named “Best Airline in Central Asia and CIS” 14 times in a row at the Skytrax World Airlines Awards. Furthermore, Air Astana has received a five-star rating from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) in the major airline category. The group is listed on the Kazakh Stock Exchange, the Astana International Stock Exchange, and the London Stock Exchange (AIRA).

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