Air Samarkand Expands Fleet with Inaugural A330-300: A Gateway to Silk Road Connectivity

In a significant stride towards enhancing Uzbekistan’s air connectivity, Air Samarkand has welcomed its first aircraft, an A330-300, bearing registration 2-LCCV (msn 1177). The widebody, formerly operated by China Airlines, boasts a configuration of 277 seats in Economy Class and 36 in Business Class. FlightRadar24 ADS-B data indicates the aircraft’s ferry from Taipei Taoyuan to Samarkand on November 3, marking a pivotal moment for the nascent Uzbek carrier.

Owned by Minsheng Financial Leasing special purpose vehicle Bluesky Magial 1001 Leasing Co Ltd, the A330-300 sets the stage for Air Samarkand’s ambitious plans. The airline, gearing up for further expansion, anticipates the imminent arrival of a second aircraft, an A321-200, configured with 169 Economy, 18 Premium Economy, and 12 Business Class seats.

According to an Air Samarkand spokesperson, the widebody will be registered as UK 33001 on the Uzbek register once the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) is conferred. The A321, identified as msn 5936, will carry the registration UK 32120.

The carrier envisions a robust fleet growth, with plans to acquire four additional A330/A320 family jets by the end of the year. The expansion is in line with Air Samarkand’s commitment to serving diverse destinations, as highlighted on its website, including up to 25 locations in Europe, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, China, and other Asian countries.

In a recent press release, Air Samarkand disclosed its initial focus on serving Türkiye, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China. The carrier’s founder, Bakhtiyor Fazylov, contextualized the airline’s launch within broader regional developments. He emphasized the alignment with the Silk Road Samarkand Tourist Centre project, aimed at elevating the tourism potential of the Samarkand region by combining ancient heritage with modern infrastructure.

Fazylov stated, “This development will continue with the launch of Air Samarkand’s services, which will soon directly connect the ancient city of Samarkand with major tourism and commercial centres.” As Air Samarkand embarks on this journey, it positions itself as a key player in fostering connectivity along the historic Silk Road and contributing to the region’s tourism and economic growth.