Qanot Sharq Airlines, one of Uzbekistan’s leading private passenger airlines, has taken delivery of its first of four Airbus A321XLR  aircraft via a long-term lease agreement with Air Lease.

With this delivery, Qanot Sharq becomes the first A321XLR operator in Central Asia and the CIS, reinforcing the airline’s ambition to modernise its fleet and expand its international route network and operate new routes to key markets across Asia, including Sanya and Busan, and New York City (via Budapest), while significantly enhancing Qanot Sharq’s connectivity across Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, the aircraft 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.