Peter Foster (airline executive)
Peter William Foster 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.
Early life and education
Foster graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1982. Immediately after, he joined John Swire and Sons Ltd, the parent company of Cathay Pacific Airways, beginning a career in aviation management.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 1997 Asian financial crisis.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.Air Astana
In May 2005, Foster assumed the role of President and CEO of Air Astana. 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 Kazakhstan's interests at international aviation forums.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.
In December 2024, Foster appeared before the Mäjilis during debates on the transport sector. Deputies criticised Air Astana over fares, delays and service standards, at one point rebuking Foster for smiling during proceedings. 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.
Honours and recognition
- In the 2015 New Year Honours, Foster was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to British aviation in Kazakhstan.
- In July 2024, he received the Airline Business Award at the Airline Strategy Awards in London, in recognition of his enduring strategic leadership.