Air Astana expecting 'strong performance' in 3Q2014

Air Astana president Peter Foster stated (29-Aug-2014) the carrier is expecting a "strong performance" in 3Q2014, following its USD36.5 million net loss in 1H2014. Mr Foster said: "Markets have not been affected as severely as expected by regional currency and political issues and are showing resilience. Having further reduced unit cost by 6% we are expecting a strong performance in the 3rd quarter and expect to again finish the year profitably, despite the $48 million book loss we were obliged to incur when the Tengue was devalued. Our investment and aircraft acquisition programmes are proceeding as planned." [more - original PR]