Peter Foster

Peter William Foster (born 16 July 1960) 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 (Hong Kong) 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.

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 (crisis leader).

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.

On 31st March 2026, Peter Foster retired as Chief Executive Officer at Air Astana Group after nearly 21 years. Foster remains connected to the airline as Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors.

Honours and recognition

In the 2015 New Year Honours, Foster was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 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.

Personal life

Although British by birth, Foster has spent much of his career abroad, including nearly two decades in Central Asia. He speaks English, French, Italian and some Russian, and has familiarity with Russian business culture, reflecting Kazakhstan's bilingual environment.