FlyArystan, the low-cost carrier brand of Air Astana, has been granted its ownair operator certificate (AOC) by the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, allowing it to operate independently. This significant milestone allows FlyArystan to align its operations more effectively with its low-cost carrier model and pursue additional growth opportunities, Air Astana says. Additionally, it enables the airline to receive its own IATA code, facilitating global distribution expansion and potential partnerships with other airlines. Chief executive of the Air Astana Group, Peter Foster, says that the budget airline, which launched five years ago, has been able to stimulate the Kazakh market and grown to a fleet of 18 aircraft, with six more to be delivered this year. "This makes it the right time for FlyArystan to obtain its own operator certificate, reflecting the increased size and operational complexity of the airline. It provides the regulatory framework for FlyArystan to continue to grow while pursuing opportunities for international expansion,” he adds

EasyJet has opened a new seasonal base at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez airport, taking its total in the country to four. It will be operational from March to October with three Airbus A320 family aircraft, pushing EasyJet's Spain-based fleet up to 19. The carrier will serve 10 new destinations from Alicante, bringing its route network from the city to 22 destinations and offering 1.5 million seats this summer, up by around a tenth on 2023. "With more than 30 million passengers carried since 1999, Alicante was one of the most popular destinations in our network that did not yet have a base, until now," states EasyJet's country director for Southern Europe Javier Gandara. "Opening our fourth base in Spain in Alicante confirms our commitment to this region and is an opportunity to further expand and consolidate our operations in the country." EasyJet's new seasonal base in Alicante aligns with the reopening of its other seasonal bases in Palma de Mallorca and Malaga.

Korean Air has signed a firm order with Airbus for 27 A350-1000s and six -900s. The carrier had in March disclosed its intention to order the long-haul jets, noting that the deal was part of preparations for Korean's pending merger with Asiana Airlines. Asiana has 15 A350-900s within its 81-strong fleet and another 15 on order, Cirium fleets data shows. The carrier's long-haul fleet additionally includes 15 A330ceos, nine Boeing 777s, six A380s, two 767s (one passenger jet and one freighter) and 10 747Fs. Last month, Asiana retired its last 747-400 passenger jet. Korean has no A350s in its fleet of 166 aircraft today. Its long-haul fleet includes 49 777s (including 12 Freighters), 26 A330ceos, 14 787s, 11 747Fs, 10 A380s and nine 747-8s. The airline has another 27 Dreamliners on order. Jason Yoo, Korean's operating chief, describes the A350 as "a great fit for our global network". Korean has declined to disclose a delivery schedule for its A350s.