Special Cargo Air Transport of Kazakhstan (more commonly known as SCAT Airlines) has announced it will be expanding its fleet with further Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft.
The airline is adding five more 737-9 jets to its fleet as new purchases, whilst converting five 737-8 jets from a previous order to the larger 737-9, bringing it to a total of 10 aircraft.
SCAT Airlines will use its larger 737-9 fleet to operate long-haul flights from Kazakhstan and pioneer seventh-freedom routes from Central Asia across Europe and Asia. The airline recently launched a landmark Prague-Sanya service, connecting the Czech Republic and China with a technical stop in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan ─ a journey of more than 14 hours.
With a range of 3,300 nautical miles, this gives the airline room to experiment with routes – even with the 213 seater capacity they have with their current 737-9.
The airline was the first in Central Asia to fly the 737 MAX and currently operates nine 737-8 and five 737-9 aeroplanes. The airline also operates a mixture of Boeing 737-300 (1 – parked), 737-500 (2), 737-700 (1), 737-800 (8), as well as Boeing 757-200 and a Boeing 767-300ER.
In Quotes
Vladimir Denissov, president of JSC SCAT Airlines, said:
“This fleet update allows SCAT Airlines to better meet growing passenger demand while maintaining the flexibility to serve a diverse and expanding route network,”
“Converting five of the previously ordered 737-8s to 737-9s, together with the new firm order for five 737-9s, enhances our seating capacity per flight and will improve schedule reliability as we expand our international network.”
Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Eurasia, India and South Asia, added:
“SCAT’s decision to grow its 737-9 fleet highlights the versatility and economic advantages of the 737 MAX family,” said
“The 737-9 offers the right combination of capacity, range and efficiency to help airlines expand their networks while lowering operating costs. We’re proud to support SCAT as it connects Central Asia with more destinations across Europe and beyond.”
Adjusting expectations, adjusting orders
It seems that SCAT Airlines has found the 737-9 as the “sweet spot” in its fleet, allowing it to operate longer missions, as well as 7th freedom options (which allow airlines to operate flights between two foreign countries without needing to return to their home country).
If it can secure the agreements to operate this, it could be a big way to enhance connectivity between Kazakhstan and other destinations.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Our Social Media pool has expanded. You can find us across most networks as @economybeyond on BlueSky, Threads, Mastodon and Instagram!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.
Leave a Reply