Central Asia to Add Over 50 Aircraft by 2026
Airlines across Central Asia plan to expand their fleets with more than 50 new aircraft by the end of 2026. This growth follows official announcements made by carriers in the region.
Most of the new aircraft will go to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Both countries have seen a steady increase in passenger demand and are working to expand capacity.
Kazakhstan Prepares for Major Deliveries
In 2025, Kazakhstan expects to receive at least 14 new aircraft. Since January, five Airbus A320-family jets have already joined the fleets of Air Astana and its low-cost unit FlyArystan.
Air Astana plans to add more narrowbodies this year. It will also take delivery of its first Boeing 787s in 2026.
SCAT Airlines will receive six Boeing 737NG and MAX aircraft in 2025, followed by two additional MAX jets in 2026.
Qazaq Air is considering a shift from turboprops to jet aircraft. This follows a new investment partnership. Meanwhile, cargo airline Alpha Sky has already received its first Boeing Business Jet and plans further fleet growth.
Uzbekistan Sees Strong Activity
Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air has announced the largest expansion plans. In 2025, it expects to receive 14 aircraft. These include 12 Airbus A320ceo/neo narrowbodies and two A330 widebodies. So far, one A320neo has been delivered.
My Freighter, Centrum’s cargo subsidiary, has added its first Boeing 757F to a fleet of Boeing 767s. It plans to continue expanding. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan Airways and private airline Qanot Sharq each expect to receive two Airbus A321neo aircraft in 2026.
Silk Avia, a regional subsidiary of Uzbekistan Airways, took delivery of its fourth L-410 aircraft earlier this year. Moreover, new cargo carrier SkyGuard received its first Boeing 757F in 2025. Spacebee Airlines added a second Boeing 767 and plans to receive another by year-end.
Fleet Growth in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
In Kyrgyzstan, state-owned Asman Airlines will receive two DHC Dash 8 turboprops in 2025. The airline is also in talks to lease two Airbus A320 or A321 jets. This plan depends on the country’s removal from the EU air safety blacklist.
In Tajikistan, Somon Air is set to take delivery of two Boeing 737MAX-8 aircraft in 2026.
Industry Leaders to Gather in Astana
The 7th Central Asia Aviation Summit will take place on 29 April in Astana. The event will focus on the development of the air transport system across Central Asia, one of the fastest-growing regions in global aviation.
