ASTANA – Air Astana operated Kazakhstan’s first flight equipped with high-speed satellite internet on Oct. 29, connecting Almaty and Tashkent, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development reported. The Wi-Fi system was installed on an Airbus A321LR aircraft registered as EI-KGB.
The project is being implemented in cooperation with SES, an international satellite communications provider, with Air Astana’s technical specialists carrying out the installation at the airline’s maintenance base. The launch marks a step toward expanding internet access across Kazakhstan’s transport network.
The ministry set a goal last year of making the internet available on trains and aircraft. Satellite connectivity is already operating on rail transport and is now being introduced on air routes. “Over the past year, extensive work has been carried out to establish the regulatory conditions for launching satellite internet on board aircraft,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev.
“The first connected Air Astana aircraft is a concrete result of this work.” According to Madiyev, the ministry worked with international satellite operators and relevant organizations to address the use of non-geostationary satellite systems in aviation. It also developed regulatory changes and requirements for these systems, established special conditions for air and water transport, and coordinated compliance with Kazakhstan’s legislation, including security requirements.
During a promotional period running through Jan. 31, 2027, all passengers will have free access to the internet. From Feb. 1, free Wi-Fi will be available to business-class passengers and Nomad Club members with Gold and Diamond status. Members of all Nomad Club tiers will be able to use messaging services free of charge, while other passengers will be able to purchase paid internet packages.
Air Astana plans to equip its Airbus A321LR fleet with high-speed Wi-Fi in stages throughout 2027.