Statement regarding the appointment of the Chief Financial Officer of Air Astana JSC
4 February 2026
Statement regarding the appointment of the Chief Financial Officer of Air Astana JSC
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Air Astana JSC (“Air Astana” and, together with its subsidiary FlyArystan, “the Group”) wishes to announce the appointment of Gonçalo Pires as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective 1 March 2026. There will be an appropriate handover period prior to the current CFO, Ibrahim Canliel, being appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 April 2026, as previously disclosed on 8 October 2025.
Since 2021, Gonçalo has been the CFO of TAP Air Portugal, where he redesigned and implemented their restructuring plan and also launched a number of digitalisation initiatives. Prior to that his career spanned almost two decades in the finance sector, including various senior roles within the investment banking industry.
Gonçalo has a degree in Economics from the NOVA University in Lisbon. He will be based in Almaty where Air Astana is headquartered.
The current CEO, Peter Foster commented:
“Having been the CFO of Portugal’s flag carrier for several years, Gonçalo has the right background to support Air Astana’s evolution and to capitalise on the growth opportunities in our markets. Together with Ibrahim, who in April will lead the airline after eight years as CFO, I am confident that Air Astana will continue to successfully execute its long-term growth strategy.”
This announcement contains inside information. The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on behalf of Air Astana is Simon Wray. This announcement was authorised for release following a delay in accordance with Article 17(4) of the UK Market Abuse Regulation.
For further information:
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Investor Relations: |
investor.relations@airastana.com
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Corporate Communications:
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Media: |
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About the Air Astana Group:
Air Astana Group is the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size. The Group operates a fleet of 62 aircraft split between Air Astana, its full-service airline that operated its inaugural flight in 2002, and FlyArystan, its low-cost airline established in 2019. The Group provides scheduled, point-to-point and transit, short-haul and long-haul air travel and cargo on domestic, regional and international routes across Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Far East, the Gulf, India and Europe. Air Astana has been recognised by SkyTrax as the Best Airline in Central Asia & CIS fourteen years running and received the Best Airline Staff Service in Central Asia & CIS award nine times in a row. FlyArystan has been recognised as the Best Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) in Central Asia & CIS at the SkyTrax awards three times. Additionally, Air Astana was awarded a five-star rating in the major airline category by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). The Group is listed on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, Astana International Exchange and London