Uzbek President Commits to Airbus Jet Deal During France Visit
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has agreed to purchase 14 Airbus aircraft and lease an additional five during his March 2025 state visit to France, according to government spokesperson Sherzod Asadov. The announcement comes as Uzbekistan Airways continues to modernize its fleet and expand international operations.
Negotiations are also ongoing with Boeing for the potential acquisition of 12 aircraft. It remains unclear whether this new deal overlaps with previous plans to sign a memorandum of understanding for 14 Boeing 787-8s and earlier Airbus agreements for eight A320neo and four A321neo aircraft.
President Mirziyoyev confirmed the fleet renewal plans during an April 9 government meeting, as reported by The Tashkent Times.
Uzbekistan Airways currently operates 45 aircraft, including narrowbodies like the A320-200, A320neo, and A321neo, and widebodies such as the Boeing 767-300ER, 787-8, and wet-leased A330-200s. The airline also uses cargo-configured Il-76TDs and business jets.
Although the carrier previously intended to sell older aircraft, it has reversed course on some retirements. Notably, Uzbekistan Airways has refurbished and returned Boeing 767 UK67007 (msn 33469) to service after nearly five years in storage. The airline had initially invited offers in 2023 for that aircraft, along with another 767 and two Boeing 757-200s.
On May 7, the airline announced that UK67007 had undergone significant technical upgrades and would soon rejoin the fleet, signaling a shift in its fleet strategy amid broader expansion and modernization efforts.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com