(6 March 2026 | Source: Telegram channel "Exit to the Sea")
A business jet Airbus ACJ320neo with registration number M-IRAS, which journalists linked to the first president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, has been undergoing reconstruction in Indianapolis for over a year. During this time, the aircraft has only made short maintenance flights — this is according to data from the flight tracking service Flightradar24.
WHY THE PLANE IS CALLED A "FLYING PENTHOUSE"
According to Telegram channel "Exit to the Sea", the Airbus ACJ320neo model belongs to the premium business aviation segment. In a standard passenger configuration, such an aircraft can carry around 180 passengers, but in its business version, it is designed for approximately 25 people.
As a rule, such aircraft are equipped not only with seats but also with separate bedrooms, offices, and meeting areas. In effect, it is a flying residence, allowing meetings and business negotiations to be conducted during flights.
HOW THE PLANE WAS LINKED TO NURSULTAN NAZARBAYEV
Investigative journalists reported the appearance of this aircraft in Nursultan Nazarbayev's fleet in 2022. At that time, the value of the business jet was estimated at around $100 million.
According to their data, the aircraft was part of a structure of assets linked to the former president's private funds. The plane was almost new — it had been manufactured about a year earlier.
Later, the aircraft was placed on the balance sheet of the state airline "Berkut Air". At the same time, data about its flights was removed from most public tracking services.
WHAT FLIGHTS JOURNALISTS MANAGED TO TRACE
Some of the routes were reconstructed thanks to information from the non-profit organisation Open Sky Network, which collects air traffic data.
For instance, on 30 June 2021, the aircraft flew from Kazakhstan to Moscow. On the same day, the Kremlin reported a working meeting between Nursultan Nazarbayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Additionally, the aircraft made several domestic flights within Kazakhstan. Some of these coincided in timing with Nazarbayev's official trips.
WHO CONTROLLED THE PLANE AFTER THE JANUARY EVENTS
After the January events of 2022, control of the aircraft transferred to Prime Aviation, one of the largest business aviation companies in Kazakhstan. It is owned by businessman Timur Kulibayev, the former president's son-in-law.
It is not specified whether the aircraft was used for commercial charter hire. According to the source, an hour of flight for such an aircraft could cost over $20,000.
Currently, the Prime Aviation website mentions only one Airbus aircraft, which does not match the M-IRAS registration.
IS A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP POSSIBLE?
According to the source, it is possible that the aircraft has already been sold. In that case, the reconstruction in Indianapolis could be carried out for a new owner, as such aircraft are usually refitted to individual requirements.
Journalists have previously reported on the purchase of another business jet — an Airbus ACJ220-110 worth around $83 million. It was speculated that this might be intended for the former president.
However, the company "Kazakhmys", which was linked to that purchase at the time, stated that the aircraft was acquired exclusively for corporate purposes and had no connection to Nursultan Nazarbayev.
PRIVATE AIRCRAFT OF NAZARBAYEV'S FAMILY MEMBERS
According to the source, business jets are also used by other representatives of the former president's family. These include Timur Kulibayev and his youngest daughter Aliya Nazarbayeva.
It is reported that the eldest daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva and her son Nurali Aliyev also previously had their own aircraft.