Photo: nur.kz
Peter Foster will step down as Chief Executive Officer and member of the board of directors of Kazakhstan’s largest airline, Air Astana, the company’s press service announced.
Foster will leave his post at the end of March 2026 but will continue to work with the airline group as Senior Adviser to the board. During the transition period, Ibrahim Janlyel, currently Executive Director for Finance, will assume the role of CEO, the statement said.
“The board of directors extends its sincere gratitude to Peter Foster for his outstanding leadership over the past 20 years—from the company’s early development to its current status as the leading airline in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, and a recognized brand in the global aviation industry,” said Air Astana Board Chairman Nurlan Zhakupov.
He also welcomed Ibrahim Janlyel’s appointment, noting that Janlyel has worked at Air Astana Group since 2003, first leading various commercial divisions and later, in 2017, becoming Executive Director for Finance. The board expressed confidence that under his leadership, the company will continue to grow and strengthen its market position.
The Air Astana Group includes the national carrier Air Astana and the low-cost airline FlyArystan. It was established in 2001 as a joint venture between the government of Kazakhstan (through the Samruk-Kazyna fund, 51%) and the British company BAE Systems (49%). The company’s headquarters are located in Almaty. British national Peter Foster has led the airline since 2005.
Following its IPO, the company’s ownership structure changed, according to Forbes.kz: Samruk-Kazyna holds about 41% of the shares, Citibank (nominal holder) 21.7%, BAE Systems 17%, and the Unified National Pension Fund (ENPF) 6.6%. The remaining shares are held by minority shareholders.
The group’s total revenue for the first six months of 2025 amounted to $658.2 million, with a net profit of $10.7 million.
Both Air Astana and its CEO have faced repeated criticism over the years. Complaints from the public and government have centered on the airline’s pricing policy, its monopoly position in the market, and frequent flight delays. In December 2024, MP Edil Zhanbyrshin again raised these issues during a session of the Mazhilis (the lower house of parliament). As Foster listened and smiled during the address, Zhanbyrshin rebuked him for his attitude toward Kazakh citizens.
“We are not African natives for you to laugh at us,” he said.
