Kazakh carrier Air Astana Group’s long-serving chief Peter Foster is stepping down from his position next year.
He is to be succeeded by Ibrahm Canliel, the airline’s chief financial officer.
Foster will retire from the top post, and the airline’s board, at the end of March 2026.
Air Astana says he will “remain connected” to the board through an advisory role.
The airline’s chair, Nurlan Zhakupov, credits Foster – who has led the company for two decades – with “outstanding achievement”, establishing the carrier as a “respected airline brand”.
Foster’s efforts have included overseeing the creation of budget division FlyArystan, and listing Air Astana on the stock exchange.
Canliel has been with Air Astana Group since 2003, and held the finance chief post since 2017.
“His contribution has been immense and he brings with him great experience of both the group and the airline industry,” says Zhakupov, adding that the board has “the fullest confidence” that he will “guide the company to continued growth and success”.
