Qanot Sharq to Lease Five Airbus A321neo LR & XLR Jets from ALC
US-based Air Lease Corporation (ALC) has inked a long-term lease deal with Uzbekistan’s Qanot Sharq Airlines for five new Airbus A321neo narrowbody aircraft, marking a major step in the carrier’s expansion strategy. Announced on February 18, 2025, the agreement will see the Tashkent-based airline receive three Airbus A321XLRs and two additional A321LRs between 2026 and 2027, drawn from ALC’s existing order book with Airbus.
This strategic deal reinforces Qanot Sharq’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and expanding its international network. As Uzbekistan’s first privately owned airline, established in October 2021, Qanot Sharq has been rapidly growing its operations from multiple regional airports across the country. The new aircraft will add to the carrier’s all-Airbus fleet, which currently comprises two A320-200s, two A321neos, and two A330-200s, according to ch-aviation.
The addition of the state-of-the-art A321neo variants is expected to enhance the airline’s operational efficiency, fuel economy, and route flexibility. The A321XLR, with its extended range capabilities, will allow Qanot Sharq to open new long-haul routes and compete effectively in markets that require longer distances, while the A321LR will provide a balance of range and capacity suited to regional and medium-haul operations.
AJ Abedin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Air Lease Corporation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Qanot Sharq and support the airline’s continued growth with the addition of five new Airbus A321neo LR/XLR aircraft,” he stated. “As the airline successfully executes its expansion, these new A321neo jets will enhance its network reach while delivering exceptional performance, range, and fuel efficiency, enabling the airline to provide high-quality service to the Uzbek market.”
Nosir Abdugafarov, owner of Qanot Sharq Airlines, also highlighted the significance of this agreement. “We are excited to expand our partnership with Air Lease and take a significant step forward in expanding our fleet with these new Airbus A321neo LR and XLR aircraft,” he said. “These state-of-the-art aircraft will allow us to open new routes, improve fuel efficiency, and provide an enhanced travel experience for our passengers.” Abdugafarov further emphasized that as Uzbekistan’s first private airline, Qanot Sharq is dedicated to growth and innovation, and this deal is a key milestone in their long-term vision to broaden their destination network while maintaining exceptional service standards.
With the new Airbus A321neo jets, Qanot Sharq Airlines is poised to tap into a diverse range of international markets. The carrier currently offers scheduled and charter services to various destinations across the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Key international routes include services to Tel Aviv (Israel), Istanbul (Turkey), Jeddah and Medina (Saudi Arabia), and Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt) in the MENA region; Phuket (Thailand), Nha Trang and Phu Quoc (Vietnam) in the Asia-Pacific; and Budapest (Hungary), Prague (Czech Republic), and Milan (Italy) in Europe.
This long-term lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation underscores Qanot Sharq’s aggressive growth strategy in an increasingly competitive global aviation market. By modernizing its fleet with efficient, versatile aircraft, the airline is not only set to improve its operational performance but also expand its international reach, further solidifying its position as a pioneering carrier in Uzbekistan and the broader region.
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