Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, has taken delivery of its first Airbus 321LR, allowing it to expand its routes in Asia and Europe.

Airbus said in a statement that the A321LR, on lease from Air Lease Corporation, will join Air Astana’s Airbus fleet of 18 Airbus aircraft (eight A320s, four A321s, three A320neo, and three A321neo).

"With this new A321LR, the Kazakhstan flag carrier will continue its strategy of growth and network expansion to European destinations as well as routes to Asia," Airbus said.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, Air Astana’s A321LR – which has the longest range of any single-aisle jetliner – comprises of 166 seats in a two-class configuration (16 business full lie flat and 150 economy class seats) offering premium wide-body comfort in a single-aisle aircraft cabin.

The A321LR is a long range version of the best selling A320neo planes and provides airlines with the flexibility to fly long-range operations of up to 4,000nm (7,400km) and to tap into new long-haul markets, which were not previously accessible with single-aisle aircraft.

Airbus said the A320neo and its derivatives are the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family with over 6,500 orders from more than 100 customers.

It has pioneered and incorporated the latest technologies, including new generation engines and the industry's reference cabin design, delivering 20% fuel cost per seat savings alone. The A320neo also offers significant environmental benefits with nearly a 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.