Air Astana of Kazakhstan will start flying E-Jets E2s next year. The first of five E190-E2s leased from AerCap of Dublin will be delivered in Q4 2018 to start replacing the carrier’s current fleet of first-generation E190s.

The airline began flying E-Jets in 2011. The aircraft have been operating on domestic routes and have opened new services to cities in southern Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Peter Foster, Air Astana’s President and CEO, says the E190-E2’s 15% lower seat cost will enable the airline to increase capacity and market share as regional competition increases.

AerCap was the first leasing company to acquire E-Jets E2s. It has ordered a total of 50 E190-E2s and E195-E2s.