Air Astana Carries Out First Simultaneous 6- and 12-Year C-Checks
Kazakhstan’s flag carrier group, Air Astana, has for the first time in its history initiated two major maintenance processes simultaneously. At the maintenance hangar in Astana, the parent company’s Airbus A321neo, registered EI-KDF, has entered its 6-year C-Check, while FlyArystan, the group’s low-cost subsidiary, is carrying out the 12-year C-Check on its Airbus A320ceo, registered EI-KBD.
According to the company’s statement, the A321neo is expected to return to service on October 1, while the A320ceo is scheduled to rejoin the fleet by the end of October 2025.
The C-Check maintenance program involves near-complete disassembly of the aircraft, thorough inspection of all systems, and subsequent test flights to ensure a safe return to service. While the 6-year C-Check is maintained at a standard inspection level, the 12-year C-Check includes more extensive checks of the fuselage and structural components.
Performing this level of maintenance in-house demonstrates the advanced expertise of Air Astana’s engineering staff and their adherence to international aviation standards.
Air Astana conducted its first C-Check at its own facilities in 2019 and has since completed a total of 42 C-Checks at its bases in Almaty and Astana. The group carried out its first 6-year check in 2023 and its first 12-year check in 2024.
As of April 2025, the company’s maintenance center has reached the capacity to carry out three C-Checks simultaneously. In 2026, construction of new hangars is planned at the technical bases in Almaty and Astana.
