BAE Systems to sell half of its stake in Air Astana

It remains unclear who will purchase the shares / Photo: Shutterstock; photo editor: Serikzhan Kovlanbayev

BAE Systems, the UK’s largest multinational aerospace and defense company, has decided to sell half of its stake in Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national carrier, according to Reuters.

Once the deal is completed, the British company’s shareholding will fall from 16.95% to approximately 8%. In 2024, BAE Systems had already reduced its stake from 49% following Air Astana’s IPO in London and Kazakhstan.

Even after the sale, BAE Systems will remain the airline’s second-largest shareholder after Samruk-Kazyna, which holds 41%. The Unified Accumulative Pension Fund, with a 6.51% stake, will rank third.

According to the London Stock Exchange, BAE Systems’ shares will be sold through an accelerated bookbuilding process, with participation limited to institutional investors.

Air Astana has not commented directly on the announcement but said it has taken note of BAE Systems’ plans to sell part of its stake in the airline.