Air Astana and Japan Airlines have announced a new codeshare agreement, marking a significant collaboration between the two airlines. As part of this partnership, both carriers will place their flight codes on a new route connecting Almaty and Tokyo, scheduled to launch in the spring of 2026.
Further details regarding the routes and schedules will be provided once the planning and ticketing systems of both airlines are fully integrated, according to a statement from Air Astana.
“Next year, we will begin with Tokyo. However, the challenge lies in the fact that we do not have enough aircraft, and those we do have are fully utilized. This is why we cannot simply reallocate our existing fleet — instead, we need to wait for new aircraft to arrive. The problem stems from delays by manufacturers and disruptions in the supply chain,” explained Air Astana CEO Peter Foster.
Air Astana is likely to deploy its A321neoLR fleet on the route, or it may wait for the delivery of the 787-9 Dreamliner, expected in 2026.
“We are delighted to partner with such an outstanding airline as Air Astana. This collaboration will further strengthen the more than 30-year-old diplomatic relations between Japan and Kazakhstan,” commented Mitsuko Tottori, CEO of Japan Airlines Group.
This partnership is expected to enhance connectivity between Kazakhstan and Japan, offering new opportunities for business and tourism between the two countries.
