FLEET - De Havilland Canada Signs Agreement with Asman Airlines for Refurbished Dash 8-400 Aircraft

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Purchase Agreement with Asman Airlines for the delivery of a refurbished Dash 8-400 aircraft. This aircraft will be the fourth addition to Asman Airlines fleet.

The addition of the Dash 8-400 will support Asman Airlines’ continued expansion and enhance its ability to provide reliable, efficient regional air service across its network. Known for its performance in diverse and challenging operating environments, the Dash 8-400 offers a combination of speed, fuel efficiency, and operational flexibility that makes it ideally suited for regional operations.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Asman Airlines as they grow their Dash 8 fleet,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Canada. “The Dash 8-400 is built to deliver strong performance and real value, and we’re excited to support Asman’s continued growth and connectivity.”

The refurbished aircraft will be configured to support Asman Airlines’ operational needs, delivering the Dash 8-400’s signature combination of passenger comfort, performance, and reliability. The aircraft will be ready to join their fleet later this year.

 

FLEET - Asman Airlines (Kyrgyzstan) aims to acquire two A321s by early 2027.

Photos: Asman Airlines

 

FLEET / ROUTES - Asman Airlines eyes A320/1s for European routes

Asman Airlines (KGN, Bishkek) is looking to lease two A320 Family aircraft - either A320-200s or A321-200s - in 2025 for a launch of routes to Europe, although this expansion is contingent on Kyrgyzstan being removed from the EU Air Safety List, according to a statement from the office of the country's president, Sadyr Japarov.

Following a meeting with the president of Airbus Europe, Johan Pelissier, Japarov expressed hope that Asman Airlines would be allowed to fly to Europe already in 2025.


He underlined the strides the country has made to increase the regulatory oversight of airlines operating in Kyrgyzstan and modernise the country's infrastructure.
Once the EU ban is lifted, Asman will consider Berlin, London, and Paris as its initial European destinations.

Japarov added that if the first phase of narrowbody operations is successful, Asman Airlines will lease more Airbus aircraft of undisclosed types.

Asman Airlines currently operates two DHC-8-Q400s with plans to take two more in 2025.
It previously touted the possibility of adding narrowbody jets to support international growth but did not disclose any details.

Manas International Airport (operator of Bishkek and other Kyrgyz airports) wholly owns Asman Airlines.
The state holds an 87.51% stake in Manas International Airport OJSC, with the remaining shares listed on the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange, making the nascent airline a de facto flag carrier for the Central Asian country.

As a part of the regulatory clean-up, Kyrgyzstan recently suspended the certification of new airlines.

 CH Aviation

NEW AIRLINE - Start-up Asman Airlines welcomes 1st aircraft

A bit of news from Kyrgyzstan, as start-up Asman Airlines took delivery of its first aircraft on 5 September 2024. The aircraft, DHC-8-400 EX-21001 (4457), arrived in Bishkek on this date. It was previously in use with Horizon Air/Alaska Airlines as N451QX, the registration it also had when conducting its delivery flight from Calgary.

In total, the airline will operate four DHC-8-400s, with the second set to be delivered in October 2024, the third in May 2025, and the final one around November 2025.

Asman Airlines is established by Manas International Airport, which in its turn is majority owned by the government of Kyrgyzstan. It's goal is to improve and strenghten domestic and regional connectivity.

Photo by Asman Airlines.