Kazakhstan’s Air Astana posted a 10% increase in passenger traffic in the first half of the year, and revenues swelled by 17%.
It was fuelled by strong international passenger numbers which were up 22% on the same period last year.
However international transit traffic is the big growth sector for the airline, up by 75% to 320,000 passengers.
Transit passengers now account for 30% of Air Astana’s international traffic.
"Passenger numbers continue to be strong for international traffic and network business. Domestic and regional routes face tough pricing and cost headwinds," said Peter Foster, airline president and CEO.
Capacity increased by 8% due to new regional routes and additional frequencies to major cities including London Heathrow, Dubai and Delhi.
During the first half of the year Air Astana took delivery of three new A321neo aircraft and agreed its 11th codeshare partnership, with Cathay Pacific.
The Kazakhstan flag carrier now operates flights to over 60 domestic and international routes from its hubs in Astana and Almaty.
