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.
