Ibrahim Canliel has taken over as Chief Executive Officer of Air Astana Group, stepping into the role after more than two decades with the Kazakh carrier.
Canliel, who has served as the group’s Chief Financial Officer since 2017, officially assumed the head role on April 1, 2026. He first joined Air Astana in 2003 in senior commercial roles and has been part of the leadership team that steered the airline through its transformation into a publicly listed company on both the London and Kazakhstan stock exchanges in 2024.
In his new role, Canliel will oversee both Air Astana and its low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan, with a focus on operational resilience and the group’s continued expansion across Central Asia and the Caucasus.
“I am delighted and feel privileged to take the helm as CEO of the Air Astana Group today,” Canliel said. “Whilst this is a significant milestone personally, it also provides continuity to all our 7,000 employees and stakeholders.”
Canliel pointed to the airline’s strategic location as a key advantage, noting that nearly half the world’s population lives within the region’s reach. “I am excited to have the opportunity to write the next chapter of the success story and to further strengthen our position as the airline of choice for travel in our region,” he said.
He also emphasized his commitment to preserving what he called the airline’s founding principles: global operational and safety standards, strong corporate governance, and commercial independence.
End of an era
Canliel’s appointment follows the retirement of Peter Foster, who led Air Astana for 20 years and stepped down at the end of March 2026.
Foster joined the airline in its early years and built it into Central Asia’s largest and most recognized carrier. Under his watch, Air Astana expanded its international network, launched FlyArystan in 2019, and completed its dual listing in 2024.
Although Foster has left his position as CEO and Board member, he will remain with the group as a Senior Advisor.
“The Board of Directors would like to thank Peter Foster for his outstanding achievement in guiding the company for 20 years, from its post start-up phase to its position today as Kazakhstan and Central Asia’s leading airline,” said Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Board.
The Board expressed full confidence in Canliel’s ability to lead the airline into its next chapter. “His contribution has been immense and he brings with him great experience of both the Group and of the airline industry,” the statement read.
