OREANDA-NEWS. Gazpromneft-Aero and Kazakh national airline Air Astana have, for the first time, concluded an agreement on the refuelling of flights abroad. The contract is due to run for the 2014 summer season. Refuelling of the carrier commenced at international airport El Prat, Barcelona (Spain), into which Air Astana flies direct from Almaty during the summer.

Refuelling of Air Astana flights in Spain is undertaken by Gazpromneft Aero in partnership with its direct aviation fuel supplier, Portuguese energy company Galp Energia. Gazpromneft Aero plans to further extend cooperation with Air Astana in the long term. At the current time Air Astana is actively extending its international flights from Kazakhstan to more than 40 airports in Europe, Russia, the CIS, and the countries of the Middle East.

Gazpromneft CEO Vladimir Egorov commented: “We place considerable value on our business relationship with Air Astana, and look forward to extending our cooperation at airports throughout Russia and worldwide. Until recently, Gazpromneft Aero refuelled the Kazakh air carrier only at Tolmachevo airport, Novosibirsk. Commencing deliveries for Air Astana abroad marks a new stage in the history of our partnership. Cooperation with direct fuel suppliers - market leaders in international refuelling - allows us to guarantee our clients consistently high service quality and timely deliveries, as well as optimum prices for aviation fuels, consistent with pricing at all airports in which Gazpromneft Aero has a presence.”