Air Astana has carried out C-Check maintenance for the first time at Nur-Sultan airport.

Performed on an Airbus A321, the aircraft will return to revenue service following a verification flight.

The airline’s next C-Check will be performed at its modern engineering centre in Kazakhstan in December, followed by a further six in 2022.

“During the C-Check we perform inspections to ensure the safe condition and continued safety of the aircraft and routine replacement of items that have a life expiry time. The most complex replacement on this check is the landing gear lower bearing replacement.

“We also perform modifications which enhance the safety of the aircraft. The tasks are performed using our own mechanics and engineers.

“In total over 450 tasks have been performed, including refurbishment of the passenger compartment, replacement of bearings and elements of air conditioning system, modifications of avionics and diagnostics of engines and other systems.”

Air Astana was certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to perform this level of maintenance earlier this autumn.

The airline has historically carried out heavy maintenance C-Checks in Europe, Russia and China.