Uzbekistan Airways Expands Fleet with Two A330-200s from Qanot Sharq

Uzbekistan Airways, the national carrier based at Tashkent International Airport, has enhanced its fleet by wet-leasing two A330-200 aircraft from local airline Qanot Sharq. This strategic lease agreement, effective for one year, marks a transition for Qanot Sharq back to exclusive narrowbody operations.

The first of the leased A330s, began service for Uzbekistan Airways on May 20. This aircraft now operates the route between Tashkent International and Istanbul Airport. It features a hybrid livery that includes Uzbekistan Airways branding and is configured to accommodate up to 265 passengers, offering 18 business class seats. Prior to this arrangement, the aircraft was utilized by Qanot Sharq mainly for leisure and Umrah charters until April 25, 2024.

The second aircraft was delivered to Tashkent in mid-December 2023. Like its counterpart, it shares the same cabin layout but has remained inactive since its delivery. Both aircraft, formerly part of Air China’s fleet, are nearly 13 years old.

Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chief Executive of Uzbekistan Airways, highlighted the strategic nature of this lease, stating, “The decision to add A330 aircraft was made as part of the airline’s development strategy and Uzbekistan Airways’ plans to expand its flight geography and increase the frequency of existing routes. Our goal is to consistently grow each year to maintain Uzbekistan Airways’ status as one of the most reliable and safe carriers on the international stage.”

This addition complements Uzbekistan Airways’ existing widebody passenger fleet, which includes five Boeing 767-300ERs and seven 787-8s, and comes at a time when the airline has no outstanding orders for new widebody aircraft.

Following the transfer, Qanot Sharq has reverted to operating a purely narrowbody fleet, which includes two A320-200s and two A321-200NX aircraft.