Air Astana stops using Fokker 50

Air Astana is terminating exploitation of Fokker 50 planes, Tengrinews.kz reports citing the company’s press-service. The national air company has started gradual withdrawal of Fokker 50 turboprop planes from its air fleet. The company notes that one of 6 planes of this type have already been taken out of exploitation. According to the company’s Director of the Engineering-Technical Department Timur Yakupov, Fokker 50 planes are going to be replaced with Embraer 190 planes by 2013. The Embraers were selected for their improved design, passengers comfort, cost and exploitation efficiency. “Despite of the fact the Fokker 50 have been our hardy beasts that flew to many small and least developed destinations, their usage will be ceased in favor of the new-generation jets,” president of Air Astana Peter Foster said. Earlier , Tengrinews.kz English reported that Air Astana is raising prices of domestic flights tickets by 16%.