Air Astana’s first 787-9 Dreamliner undergoes flight testing ahead of 2027 debut

Air Astana’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is undergoing flight testing at Boeing’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina, ahead of its delivery to the Kazakh flag carrier.

The aircraft, registered EI-KZA, completed its first test flight on October 1, 2026. It is due to be delivered to Air Astana once all certification procedures have been completed.

Air Astana’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered EI-KZA, has begun its factory flight testing programme in Charleston, USA, where one of Boeing’s manufacturing facilities is located.

We look forward to welcoming our first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Kazakhstan!

— Air Astana (@airastana) October 22, 2026

First of three 787-9s due to enter service in 2027

The aircraft is the first of three Boeing 787-9s that Air Astana plans to put into service in 2027.

The airline has described the arrival of the type as an important milestone in its fleet modernization program. The 787-9s will gradually replace Air Astana’s Boeing 767-300ER fleet on long-haul routes.

Dreamliners to support efficiency and international growth

Air Astana asserted that the new aircraft will improve operational efficiency and create opportunities to expand its international network, while maintaining high standards of passenger comfort.

The airline has not yet announced which routes the 787-9s will serve or details of their cabin configuration.

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