Air Astana to replace 757s with A321neos, eyes new generation 757 (797?) as long-term solution

Kazakhstan's Air Astana has selected the A321neo as a replacement for its ageing 757 fleet, which is used on medium/long-haul routes to Asia and Europe. The carrier plans to lease 11 new-generation A321neos for delivery from 2017 as well as one A320neo for delivery in 2016, making it the latest customer for Airbus' re-engined narrowbody product.

But Air Astana is also in talks with Boeing over the US manufacturer's plans for a 757 replacement. Air Astana is interested in being an early customer for the new 180 to 210-seat narrowbody aircraft, which would replace its A321neos in the middle part of the next decade.

Air Astana is a relatively small carrier, operating a fleet of only about 30 aircraft, and generally does not capture significant attention from the manufacturers. But its fleet decisions offer a glimpse at how airlines globally may handle replacing the 757. Production of the 757 ceased in 2004 but a suitable replacement has not yet emerged, forcing carriers such as Air Astana with several thin six to eight hour routes to continue operating the type.