Air Astana's FlyArystan: Kazakhstan's new low cost option 

Air Astana's new unit FlyArystan will launch operations on 1-May-2019, giving leisure passengers and corporates the first low cost option in Kazakhstan's growing domestic market. While FlyArystan is technically not an airline - because it will be using Air Astana's operator's certificate - the new budget brand could emerge as the first significant low cost competitor in Central Asia.

Air Astana, Kazakhstan's largest airline, decided to establish a low cost brand in 2018. FlyArystan has been tasked with achieving 40% lower unit costs than its parent on the same routes, a goal driven mainly by the use of higher density aircraft.

Ancillary revenues are also a key component of the FlyArystan strategy, differentiating it from other domestic competitors. Kazakhstan recently implemented legislative changes enabling airlines to start charging passengers for baggage.