Peter Foster (airline executive)

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Peter Foster
OBE
Born (1960-07-16) 16 July 1960 (age 65)
United Kingdom
NationalityBritish
Alma mater University of Cambridge
OccupationAirline executive
Years active1982–present
Employer Air Astana
Known forCEO of Air Astana
TitlePresident and chief executive officer
Term2005–present

Peter William Foster OBE (born 16 July 1960) is a British airline executive. Since 2005 he has been president and chief executive officer of Air Astana JSC, the flag carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Contents

Early life and education

Foster was educated at Cambridge University, graduating in 1982. Immediately after, he joined John Swire and Sons (Hong Kong) Ltd, the parent company of Cathay Pacific Airways, beginning a career in aviation management. [1]

Career

Cathay Pacific and Philippine Airlines

From 1982 to 1999, Foster held a succession of senior positions at Cathay Pacific, including postings in Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Europe. After leaving Swire, he was appointed chief company adviser to Philippine Airlines, assisting in the restructuring of the flag carrier following the Asian financial crisis. [1]

Royal Brunei Airlines

Between 2002 and 2005, Foster served as Chief Executive Officer of Royal Brunei Airlines, leading efforts to stabilise the airline's finances and reposition it within the regional aviation market. [1]

Air Astana

In May 2005, Foster assumed the role of President and CEO of Air Astana. [1] Under his leadership, the airline expanded its fleet, modernised operations, and developed a reputation for reliability and safety within the post-Soviet space. Foster's tenure coincided with Kazakhstan's growing integration into global aviation, and he has frequently represented the Kazakhstan's interests at international aviation forums. [2] [3] [4]

In February 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Foster personally directed the evacuation of 896 Kazakh citizens and expatriates, together with one cat, from Kyiv to Poland. The operation received praise from the Government of Kazakhstan and from passengers alike, enhancing his standing as a decisive krizisnyy rukovoditelʹ (crisis leader). [5]

In December 2024, Foster appeared before the Mäjilis during debates on the transport sector. [6] Deputies criticised Air Astana over fares, delays and service standards, at one point rebuking Foster for smiling during proceedings. [7] He responded that such exchanges were normal between politicians and business, emphasised the global nature of dynamic pricing and mobility challenges, and called for continued dialogue with lawmakers. [8] [9]

Honours and recognition

Personal life

Although British by birth, Foster has spent much of his career abroad, including nearly two decades in Central Asia. He speaks English and has familiarity with Russian business culture, reflecting Kazakhstan's bilingual environment.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Driskill, Matt (2020-10-25). "AAV In Conversation with Peter Foster, president and CEO of Air Astana in Kazakhstan". Asian Aviation. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  2. ↑ "Stay a Little Longer". The Business Year. 2017-01-19. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  3. ↑ "ON THE SOAPBOX: Peter Foster – President, Air Astana". BTNews. 2011-09-05. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  4. ↑ Ros, Miquel (2024-11-19). "How Air Astana is looking abroad for growth". AeroTime. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  5. ↑ Gill, Oliver (2024-06-22). "The British airline boss who rescued 896 people from Ukraine". www.thetimes.com. Times Media Limited. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  6. ↑ Ismailov, Vagit (2024-12-24). "Kazakh MP Zhanbyrshin Criticizes Air Astana". The Times Of Central Asia. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  7. ↑ Жеңісқызы, Балжан (2024-12-23). "«Фостер мырза, шаңыраққа қараңыз!»: Депутаттар Air Astana президентіне қатты ашуланды". Ult (in Kazakh). Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  8. ↑ Гладкова, Яна (2024-12-23). "«Уважайте народ!»: депутатов возмутило поведение Питера Фостера в Мажилисе". KTK (in Russian). Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  9. ↑ Никитин, Сергей (2025-04-10). "Узнали, уйдет ли Питер Фостер из Air Astana". DigitalBusiness.kz. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  10. ↑ "Skipton man awarded OBE in New Year's Honours List". Craven Herald. 2015-01-29. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  11. ↑ Antonio, Jose (2024-07-23). "Air Astana CEO receives special recognition at Airline Strategy Awards". Travel Weekly. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
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