Uzbekistan’s Qanot Sharq Leads Central Asia with A321neo XLR Order
Qanot Sharq, Uzbekistan’s first privately-operated airline, secured a long-term lease for five new Airbus A321neo aircraft from U.S.-based Air Lease Corporation. The deliveries are scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
The order includes two A321-200neo LRs with extended range and three A321-200neo XLRs, the ultra-long-range version. With a range of 8,700 km, the A321neo XLR offers 2,300 km more than the standard model. As the first airline in Central Asia to acquire this variant, Qanot Sharq takes a significant step in fleet modernization, with the XLR certified in summer 2024.
These aircraft will support Qanot Sharq’s expansion into new routes across Europe and China. The airline currently serves cities like Budapest, Milan, Prague, Jeddah, and Tel Aviv.
«We expect these advanced aircraft to improve fuel efficiency, open new routes, and enhance the passenger experience,» said Nosir Abdugafarov, owner of Qanot Sharq.
In addition to the new aircraft, Qanot Sharq’s fleet includes two A321neo and two A320ceo models. The airline also operates an A330-200 on a wet lease from Southwind Airlines, with two more A330-200s leased to Uzbekistan Airways.
This March, Qanot Sharq will showcase its expanding fleet at the MRO Central Asia 2025 conference in Tashkent. The airline continues to strengthen its market position, aiming for improved operational efficiency and fleet expansion.
