Air Astana Products and Fares Seminar in Bangkok- Thailand

Air Astana, the national carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan, recently held a "Product and Fares Seminar" for leading travel agents at the holiday Inn Silom on 25th August 2010. The main objective of this seminar was to create greater awareness and provide updated information on Air Astana's products and services.

The seminar provided information on Air Astana's background such as aircraft types, new routes and flight information for the coming winter season, the launch of the new website associated with HRS hotels and the frequent flyer program; Nomad Club.

The agents were made aware of the strong growth experienced during the first half of 2010 with the passenger numbers increasing by 14% and revenues escalating to 24% to $ 245 million compared to the same period in 2009 with an average passenger load factor of 66% which lead to a half yearly profit before tax of $ 33.5 million, up 34% over 2009

In order to serve the winter demand Bangkok will experience 4 weekly frequencies and Kuala Lumpur 2 weekly frequencies. The current route expansions from the central Asian hub (Almaty) continuing with Urumqi in western China being added to the existing destinations of Baku the capital of Azerbaijan, Bishkek the capital of Kyrgyzstan and Novosibirsk in Southern Russia. The plans to introduce services in the second half of 2010 from Almaty to Dushanbe capital of Tajikistan and Tashkent capital of Uzbekistan and St. Petersburg in the north west of Russia along with its fleet expansions too, were communicated to the agents.      

During the seminar, Air Astana representatives also recommended several tourist attractions in Kazakhstan and visa application and processing procedures.  The seminar was closed by Mr.Dhanwanthrie Goonetilleke, Regional General Manager Far East and Australia, addressing the agents and hosting them for lunch.

Sourced=etravelblackboard