ALC Announces Lease Placement of Two New Airbus A321neo Aircraft with Qanot Sharq Airlines (Uzbekistan)

Today Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced long-term lease placements for two new Airbus A321neo aircraft with Qanot Sharq Airlines (Uzbekistan), the first privately-owned airline in Uzbekistan.  The aircraft are scheduled to deliver to the airline this fall from ALC’s order book with Airbus.

“We are very pleased with this placement of two new A321neo aircraft with Qanot Sharq Airlines. Thanks to positive economic reforms intended to encourage private sector growth, the Uzbek economy and middle class have been expanding and Qanot Sharq is successfully servicing the increased travel needs of this growing economy,” said AJ Abedin, Vice President of Air Lease Corporation.  "With the addition of these two new state of the art A321neos equipped with long-range fuel tanks for expanded flight mission capabilities, Qanot Sharq and its passengers will benefit from new destinations, operational efficiencies and a premium travel experience.”

“I am beyond thrilled to continue our partnership with Air Lease Corporation in order to provide the highest quality transportation for our customers,” said Nosir Abdugafarov, the owner of Qanot Sharq Airlines.  “The new aircraft addition will enable the diversification of our destinations and expand the airline’s network with ability to perform short, medium, and long-haul flights.”