Kazakhstan’s LCC FlyArystan taps Wizz Air veteran as new president

Management reshuffles continue within the Kazakhstan’s Air Astana Group. Johan Eidhagen has been appointed President of FlyArystan, the group’s low-cost carrier, effective March 1.

Together with Ibrahim Canliel, who in April will become CEO of flag carrier Air Astana, and Gonçalo Pires, who will join as CFO in March, the airline group is set to continue to execute its ambitious long-term growth strategy.

Eidhagen, a Swedish national, joins FlyArystan from budget carrier Wizz Air, where he held several leadership roles. As Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, he gained in-depth knowledge of the Central Asian, Caspian, and Caucasus markets. Until the unit’s closure, the airline operated flights to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia.

During his tenure at Wizz Air, Eidhagen also served as Chief People & ESG Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at the group level. Prior to Wizz Air, he spent 14 years with Nokia in a series of senior executive positions across various jurisdictions.

Eidhagen succeeds Richard Ledger, who will transition to a newly created senior leadership role within the Air Astana Group as Vice President of Partnerships and Alliances.

Commenting on the appointment, Air Astana CEO Peter Foster said: “With several years in senior roles at Wizz Air <…> Johan has the experience and low-cost airline background to ensure we capitalise on the high growth potential of FlyArystan.”

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: LCC FlyArystan launches fourth international destination from Aktau.