Hamburg, Germany, 19 December 2025 – Qanot Sharq, one of Uzbekistan's leading private passenger airlines, has taken delivery of its first of four A321XLR aircraft via a long-term lease agreement with Air Lease (NYSE: AL).
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.
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Download free sample pagesThe A321XLR is the next evolutionary step of the A320neo Family, responding to market needs for more range and payload, creating even more value for the 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.
