Qanot Sharq Takes Delivery of First Airbus A321XLR to Transform Central Asian Long Haul Travel

In a landmark moment for Central Asian aviation, Uzbekistan’s premier private carrier, Qanot Sharq, has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR. The delivery, which took place today at the Airbus facility in Hamburg, makes Qanot Sharq the launch operator for the ultra-long-range narrow-body in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Central Asia.

The aircraft (Registration: UK32112, MSN 12531) is the first of four A321XLRs the airline will receive via a long-term lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC).

A Game-Changer for the Tashkent Hub

The arrival of the A321XLR is set to revolutionise Qanot Sharq’s network, providing the range of a wide body with the economics of a single-aisle aircraft. This "game-changer" allows the airline to connect Tashkent with distant global markets that were previously only reachable with significant payload restrictions or larger, more expensive aircraft.

Flight Details & Route Expansion

While the airline recently inaugurated its Tashkent (TAS) to London Gatwick (LGW) route on December 15 using existing A321neo assets, the new XLR is expected to take over these high-demand long-haul sectors immediately.

Current and Planned Destinations for the A321XLR:

The A321XLR’s range of 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km) represents a 15% increase over the A321LR, enabling the carrier to fly up to 11 hours non-stop.

Cabin Configuration: "Widebody Comfort in a Narrowbody"

Qanot Sharq has opted for a premium-heavy, two-class configuration designed for long-haul endurance. The aircraft features the Airbus Airspace cabin, which includes:

Strategic Impact

"This aircraft's exceptional range and efficiency will open new non stop routes from Uzbekistan, expand our international network, and allow us to offer our customers greater comfort," said Nosir Abdugafarov, owner of Qanot Sharq Airlines.

Powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the XLR also brings a 30% reduction in fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation competitor aircraft, aligning with the airline's modernisation goals and global environmental standards.

With three more XLRs and two A321LRs scheduled for delivery through 2026, Qanot Sharq is positioning itself as a dominant force in the "middle-of-the-market" sector, effectively bridging the gap between Europe and Southeast Asia from its hub in Tashkent.