Air Astana (KC) is the flag carrier of Kazakhstan and one of the leading airlines in Central Asia. Based in Almaty, the airline operates a growing network across Kazakhstan, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Its main operating hubs are Almaty and Astana, giving pilots access to a broad mix of domestic, regional and international flying.
Air Astana has continued to expand its operations in 2026. The wider Air Astana Group had 63 aircraft in its fleet at the end of the first half of 2026, while the Air Astana brand itself operated 34 aircraft at the end of 2025. The airline is also preparing for the arrival of the Boeing 787-9, which will eventually replace its Boeing 767s and support longer international routes.
Air Astana Pilot Salary in 2026
Pilot compensation at Air Astana is competitive for the Central Asian market. The airline’s own 2025 company presentation reported an average net captain salary of around €120,000 per year, while current recruitment information indicates that the airline continues to seek both A320 captains and first officers.
Air Astana First Officer Salary
In 2026, an Air Astana first officer generally earns between €45,000 and €65,000 per year, equivalent to approximately USD 53,000 to USD 76,000 annually. Current pilot-reported information places the base salary for a first officer at around €5,310 per month, before considering additional payments such as per diem and flying-related allowances.
The actual amount received can vary according to seniority, aircraft type, monthly flying activity and allowances. Pilots may also receive additional payments for night operations and layovers. For international layovers, current reported terms include a per diem of approximately €50 per day, while local layovers are compensated separately.
For experienced first officers, Air Astana provides a clear path towards command. The airline has continued recruiting A320 first officers and captains in 2026, while its growing fleet should create additional opportunities for pilots as the operation expands.
Air Astana Captain Salary
In 2026, Air Astana captains generally earn between €95,000 and €125,000 per year, equivalent to approximately USD 111,000 to USD 146,000 annually. The airline itself reported a captain’s net salary of approximately €120,000 per year, although individual earnings can vary according to aircraft, seniority, flying hours, and allowances.
Captains operating more productive international schedules can earn additional amounts through flight-related payments and per diems. Air Astana’s pilot productivity is also relatively high compared with several international benchmarks, with the company reporting around 709 annual flight hours per captain across its Airbus fleet in 2024.
The arrival of the Boeing 787-9 should provide another avenue for career progression. The airline expects its first 787-9 to enter service later in 2026, with three aircraft planned as part of the initial programme.
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Benefits Enjoyed by Air Astana Pilots
Air Astana’s pilots are entitled to the following benefits during their employment.
- Competitive Salary – Air Astana offers competitive pilot compensation for the Central Asian aviation market, with the company reporting approximately €120,000 in annual net captain salary.
- Per Diem Payments – Pilots receive allowances during layovers, including reported payments of approximately €50 per day for international layovers.
- Flexible Rosters – Current recruitment material highlights a flexible 6/2 roster, giving pilots a structured pattern of six working days followed by two days off.
- Travel Benefits – Pilots receive employee travel privileges and access to discounted airline travel.
- Career Progression – First officers can progress towards captain positions as they build experience and seniority.
- Modern Fleet – The airline operates a relatively young fleet, with the Air Astana fleet averaging around six years in age.
- International Operations – Pilots gain experience flying throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia.
- Training Opportunities – Air Astana invests heavily in pilot development, including command preparation, instructor training and recurrent operational training.
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What Aircraft Do Air Astana Pilots Fly?
Air Astana’s fleet currently consists of the following aircraft.
- Airbus A320neo – 11
- Airbus A321-200 – 3
- Airbus A321LR – 11
- Airbus A321neo – 7
- Boeing 767-300ER – 3
The carrier also has the following aircraft on order.
- Airbus A320-200 – 5
- Airbus A321neo – 20
- Boeing 787-9 – 18
Requirements To Become A Pilot for Air Astana
Air Astana’s first officers are required to meet the following minimum requirements.
- License & Rating: Current and valid ICAO ATPL with Type-Rating.
- Flight Hours: Minimum total of 1500 flight hours, with a minimum of 500 hours on type.
- Medical & Language: Class 1 medical certificate and ICAO English level 4.
- Age Limit: Maximum age of 45 years.
- Recency: Must have flown the type within the last 12 months and hold a current LPC.
- Exceptions: Applicants who have not flown the type in the last 12 months, but have within the last 36 months, may be considered based on overall experience and professional background.
Meanwhile, captains must fulfil the following criteria.
- License & Rating: Current and valid ICAO ATPL with Type-Rating.
- Flight Hours: Minimum total of 4500 flight hours.
- Commander Experience: Minimum of 1000 hours as Commander, with at least 500 of those hours on type as a Commander.
- Medical & Language: Class 1 medical certificate and ICAO English level 4.
- Age Limit: Maximum age of 62 years.
- Recency: Must have flown the type within the last 12 months and hold a current LPC.
- Exceptions: Applicants who have not flown the type in the last 12 months, but have within the last 36 months, may be considered based on overall experience and professional background.
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Hiring Process for Air Astana Pilots
Air Astana’s recruitment process for pilots includes the following steps.
- Online Application – Candidates submit their application with their licence information, flight experience, medical certification, employment history and supporting documents.
- Initial Screening – Air Astana reviews the applicant’s flight hours, qualifications, aircraft experience and eligibility against the requirements for the particular vacancy.
- Online Assessment – Shortlisted candidates may complete aptitude and competency assessments designed to evaluate cognitive ability, decision-making, communication and other qualities important to airline pilots.
- Technical Interview – Candidates are assessed on aviation knowledge, aircraft systems, operational procedures, instrument flying, performance and previous professional experience.
- Simulator Assessment – Applicants complete a simulator evaluation appropriate to the position. Aircraft handling, procedures, situational awareness, decision-making and crew resource management are assessed.
- Final Interview and Checks – Candidates who complete the assessments proceed through final interviews, medical verification, background screening and documentation checks before receiving an employment offer.
Air Astana continues to invest in its pilot training infrastructure and has expanded its Flight Training Centre, including additional simulator capacity.
The airline’s continuing fleet expansion is also expected to create further pilot opportunities as new Airbus aircraft and Boeing 787-9s enter the operation.
Bottom Line
In 2026, Air Astana offers a competitive pilot compensation package for professionals looking to build a career in Central Asia. First officers generally earn around €45,000 to €65,000 per year, or approximately USD 53,000 to USD 76,000, while captains can earn approximately €95,000 to €125,000 annually, equivalent to around USD 111,000 to USD 146,000.
The airline’s own figures indicate that captain compensation can reach around €120,000 net annually, while additional flying payments and allowances can further improve the overall package.
With a young Airbus fleet, growing international network, flexible roster options and the arrival of the Boeing 787-9, Air Astana offers pilots an increasingly attractive combination of compensation, career progression and international flying opportunities.
Air Astana Pilots Salary FAQs
Air Astana pilots generally earn between €45,000 and €125,000 per year, depending on rank, seniority, aircraft and flying activity.
Air Astana pilots currently operate the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 767, with the Boeing 787-9 scheduled to join the fleet in 2026.
Reported requirements include approximately 1,500 total hours and 500 hours on type for first officers, while captain applicants require around 4,500 total hours, 1,000 hours as pilot-in-command, and 500 hours on type.
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