Air Astana receives ATW Airline Market Leader Award 2015

Air Astana celebrated in Washington DC last night the honour of being named Airline Market Leader of the Year at the 41st annual Air Transport World Awards.

Air Astana celebrated in Washington DC last night the honour of being named Airline Market Leader of the Year at the 41st annual Air Transport World Awards.

Accepting the accolade on behalf of the airline's 4,300 employees President and CEO Peter Foster noted the airline's achievements these past 12 years have taken it on "a remarkable journey."

"We are proud to be the youngest airline to win such prestigious recognition", he said, addressing the 200-strong audience and thanked the people of Kazakhstan especially for their support.

Air Transport World Editor in Chief Karen Walker lauded the Kazakhstan carrier for its creativity, determination to succeed and its consistent profitable performance. Since Air Astana was founded in 2002 with an initial investment of $17 million, the airline has been profitable every year, bar one and has not called on any further funds or guarantees since inception, meanwhile building up a modern, western fleet of an average five years of age.

The ATW Achievement Awards are widely regarded in the industry. Other award winners on the night included London Heathrow Airport / Star Alliance, Boeing and Lufthansa.