Kazakhstan flag carrier Air Astana has signed a memorandum of cooperation to become the official air carrier for the Astana EXPO-2017.
The airline will use its international reach to promote the event and help raise the profile of capital Astana as a global city.
"Air Astana is the largest airline in Kazakhstan, and the memorandum signed today will be the first step in our cooperation. With its international reach across Asia, Central Asia, Europe and the Middle East, the airline will be able to promote this major project around the world," said Akhmetzhan Yesimov, chairman of EXPO-2017.
"We have agreed to place the EXPO 2017 logo on all of Air Astana’s aircraft and to develop a joint promotional plan for the exhibition, which will be enormously beneficial to building international awareness."
The theme of EXPO 2017 will be ‘Future Energy,’ exploring ways to implement practical energy solutions and conserve resources, something Air Astana is working to improve.
"The airline industry is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and at Air Astana we continue to take corrective action through the introduction of greener technology," said the carrier’s CEO Peter Foster.
"The EXPO 17 site is well underway, and we look forward to supporting what will be a fascinating and enjoyable extended event, as Astana opens its arms to the world."
The airline recently announce an order for fuel efficient Airbus A320 family NEO aircraft, which it says will reduce emissions by up to 15%.
The agreement also plans to integrate Air Astana’s online booking engine onto the event web site www.expo2017astana.com and also pursue a joint PR campaign.
