Ibrahim Canliel has assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Air Astana Group, effective immediately. He has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2017 and was a member of the management team for over 14 years. During this time, he played a key role in shaping the company’s strategic and financial development, culminating in a successful IPO in the UK and Kazakhstan in 2024.
Focus on stability and growth
In his new role as CEO, Canliel is setting clear priorities: to further strengthen operational stability, promote sustainable growth, and drive the development of the two brands Air Astana and FlyArystan.
Continuity and personal milestone
Canliel is delighted with his new role:
He describes the appointment as a great personal honor and an important milestone. At the same time, he emphasizes that this step also represents continuity – especially for the approximately 7,000 employees and all of the company’s stakeholders.
Standards for quality and corporate management
The Air Astana Group sees Canliel as the leading airline in Central Asia and the Caucasus region – not only in terms of fleet and passenger numbers, but also in terms of operational standards, service quality and international presence.
His goal is to preserve and further develop the company’s fundamental principles. These include, in particular:
- highest global standards in operation, safety and service
- transparent and responsible corporate governance
- long-term safeguarding of financial and commercial independence
Strategic advantage of the geographical location
A particular focus is placed on the strategically advantageous location of the company’s headquarters. Nearly half the world’s population lives in the surrounding area – an advantage the airline intends to leverage even more effectively in the future.
Canliel is optimistic about the future and emphasizes his motivation to continue the company’s success story and further expand its position as the region’s leading airline.
More about Air Astana
