Air Astana CEO Peter Foster to retire in March 2026 after 20 years at the helm

Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana will see its long-time CEO, Peter Foster, retire from his position at the end of March 2026 after leading the airline for two decades. 

On October 8, 2025, Air Astana’s Board of Directors released a statement confirming that Foster will also leave the airline’s Board but will continue with the Group as a Senior Advisor. 

“The Board of Directors would like to thank Peter Foster for his outstanding achievement in guiding the company for 20 years, from its post start-up phase to its position today as Kazakhstan and Central Asia’s leading airline,” said Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Board of Directors. 

Under Peter Foster’s leadership, Air Astana evolved from a young national carrier into one of Central Asia’s largest and most successful airlines.  

During his tenure, the airline broadened its international reach, introduced the low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan, and achieved a dual listing on the London and Kazakhstan stock exchanges.  

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After Foster retires, Ibrahim Canliel, who is currently the Chief Financial Officer at the airline, will become the new CEO. 

Canliel has been with the Air Astana Group since 2003, starting in senior commercial positions and later serving as Chief Financial Officer since 2017. 

“His contribution has been immense and he brings with him great experience of both the Group and of the airline industry,” the Board’s statement read. According to the Board, Canliel “has the fullest confidence that he will guide the company to continued growth and success.”  The post Air Astana CEO Peter Foster to retire in March 2026 after 20 years at the helm appeared first on AeroTime.

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