Safety Leadership Charter, Guiding Principle 4: “Create the internal capacity to proactively manage safety and collectively achieve organizational safety goals.”
Safety Leadership Charter, Guiding Principle 5: “Create an atmosphere of trust, where employees are encouraged and confident to report safety-related information.”
Background
Air Astana, formally recognized as the Best Airline in Central Asia, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. The Air Astana Group consists of two airlines, Air Astana and FlyArystan, the latter being the region’s popular low-cost carrier.
As global aviation standards evolve, airlines are increasingly focusing on pilot and cabin crew mental well-being, stress management, and human factor risks. In line with these trends, Air Astana Group has chosen to implement a Crew Peer Support Program (PPSP) - a decision driven by a proactive approach to safety.
Although the program is not mandated by the local regulator, Air Astana Group has voluntarily gone a step further to align itself with ICAO, EASA, and other international best practices, ensuring the program benefits crews across both Air Astana and FlyArystan.
Brief description of the initiative
The Peer Support Program provides a confidential, non-punitive platform where pilots and flight attendants from both Air Astana and FlyArystan can seek guidance and emotional support from trained peers. Key elements include:
- Carefully selected and trained peer volunteers skilled in listening and identifying early signs of stress or fatigue
- Strict confidentiality measures ensuring crew members can speak openly
- Referral channels to professional support when required
- Awareness initiatives through briefings, training sessions, and internal communication
The goal is to integrate well-being into the safety system and strengthen human factor risk management across the entire airline group.
What positive changes did this initiative help bring?
Air Astana Group is currently at the early stages of implementing its Peer Support Program. While it is too soon to measure full outcomes, several positive changes are expected as the program matures:
- Strengthened Safety Culture
The initiative is anticipated to encourage more open communication about stress, fatigue, and personal challenges, supporting a healthier safety environment across both airlines.
- Proactive Identification of Human-Factor Risks
As pilots and flight attendants gain confidence in using the program, earlier detection of well-being–related issues is expected, contributing to continued operational safety.
- Improved Support for Pilots and Flight Attendants
As the program develops, crew members from both brands are expected to benefit from a structured and accessible support network. The PPSP provides a safe place to talk about personal or professional challenges, receive empathetic guidance from trained peers, and be referred to specialized help when needed.
This is particularly important in aviation, where high workload, schedule pressure, and operational stress can accumulate over time. By offering early support, the program aims to enhance crew resilience, reduce the likelihood of unaddressed stress affecting performance, and promote overall well-being across the Air Astana Group.
- Enhanced Trust and Community
By fostering peer-to-peer communication, the initiative is expected to strengthen camaraderie, trust, and support among pilots and flight attendants across both Air Astana and FlyArystan.
Main challenges and lessons-learned
- Changing Perceptions and Building Trust
Introducing a confidential support program requires time and clear communication to address concerns and encourage engagement.
- Training Peer Volunteers
Selecting and equipping peers with the necessary skills demands dedicated resources and ongoing training.
- Balancing Roles
Peer volunteers must balance flight duties with support responsibilities, requiring careful scheduling and backup planning.
- Sustaining Engagement Over Time
To ensure long-term success, Air Astana Group recognizes the importance of continuous communication, awareness activities, and integration into the broader safety culture.
