Already flying between Tashkent and London Gatwick
The aircraft is the first of four A321XLRfor the airline 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.
The airline plans to use the aircraft to 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.
Qanot Sharq has already started flying its A321XLR between Tashkent and London Gatwick. The twice weeky non-stop flights take about 7 hours.
Cabin layout
Qanot Sharq is configuring its A321XLRs with 190 seats in a two class layout:
- Business has 16 full flat seats in a 2 x 2 layout
- Economy has 174 seats in a 3 x 3 layout
The new aircraft offers Qanot Sharq’s 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.
Airbus A321XLR
Powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, the A321XLR is the next evolutionary step of the A320neo Family, responding to market needs for more range and payload, creating even more value for airlines.
It will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm, some 15% more range than the A321LR and 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise.
So far, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the type.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
Supplier
Qanot Sharq is leasing the A321XLRs from Los Angeles-based Air Lease Corporation.
AJ Abedin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Air Lease:
“Air Lease is proud to be the first lessor to introduce the A321XLR to Asia with our valued partner Qanot Sharq, an airline we have supported since day one.
“With its strong operating performance and strategic location in Uzbekistan, I believe Qanot Sharq is uniquely positioned to unlock the full potential of this game-changing aircraft.”
Nosir Abdugafarov, the owner of Qanot Sharq Airlines:
“I am delighted to further strengthen our partnership with Air Lease as we welcome our first A321XLR.
“This aircraft’s exceptional range and efficiency will open new nonstop routes from Uzbekistan, expand our international network, and allow us to offer our customers greater comfort and convenience while maintaining highly competitive operating economics.”
About Qanot Sharq (HH)
Qanot Sharq is a privately owned airline based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Routes: The airline operates from multiple regional airports in Uzbekistan to international destinations such as Istanbul, Jeddah and Sharm El-Sheikh in the MENA region; Phuket, Nha Trang Phu Quoc and Seoul in the APAC region; Budapest, London, Milan and Prague in Europe.
Fleet: The airline has an all Airbus fleet of eight aircraft:
- 3 Airbus A330-200
- 2 A321 neo LR
- 2 A320 ceo
- 1 A321 XLR
In 2026-2027, the airline will welcome five brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft, including three A321XLRs and two A321LRs.
Alliance: None
