Uzbekistan’s Qanot Sharq becomes first A321XLR operator in Central Asia and the CIS

Image: Airbus

Qanot Sharq, Uzbekistan’s first private passenger airline, has taken delivery of its first of four A321-200neo XLR aircraft via a long-term lease agreement with Air Lease.

With this delivery, Qanot Sharq, whose name means Wings of the East, becomes the first A321XLR operator in Central Asia and the CIS, reinforcing the airline’s ambition to modernize its fleet and expand its international route network.

The new aircraft will enable Qanot Sharq to launch services to key destinations across Asia, such as Sanya and Busan, as well as to New York City via Budapest.

These additions will substantially enhance connectivity between Uzbekistan and markets in Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Powered by CFM LEAP-1A33 engines, the aircraft (msn 12531, registered UK32112) is configured with 190 seats in a two-class layout featuring 16 full-flat Business Class and 174 Economy Class seats.

It offers passengers and cabin crew the enhanced comfort of Airbus’ Airspace Cabin, featuring XL overhead bins with 60% more storage space compared to previous generation aircraft. In addition, in-seat connectivity is available to all passengers while the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan becomes region’s first customer for Airbus Flexrotor drones.