Qanot Sharq takes delivery of its 1st Airbus A321XLR supporting long-haul strategy
December 19, 2025
Qanot Sharq Airlines, Uzbekistan’s largest private carrier, has taken delivery of its first of four Airbus A321XLRs, becoming the first operator of the aircraft in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The delivery by Airbus in Hamburg on December 19 marks a pivotal step in Qanot Sharq’s fleet modernisation and international network expansion.
Qanot Sharq brings lie-flat luxury to Airbus A321XLR
The aircraft, leased from Air Lease Corporation, will support new long-haul services and enhance the airline’s medium-haul network from its home base at Tashkent International Airport (TAS).
According to Airbus, Qanot Sharq’s A321XLR is configured with 190 seats in a two-class layout — 16 fully lie-flat business class seats and 174 economy class seats — tailored for extended flights and greater passenger comfort. Neither the airline nor the manufacturer has disclosed the specifics of the seats installed.
The aircraft incorporates the Airbus Airspace Cabin, an integrated design concept focused on improving the passenger experience. Overhead bins offer 60% more stowage space than previous-generation A320 family aircraft, while an LED lighting system, larger windows, and modern sidewall designs bring in more natural light and support cabin well-being. Improved pressure and ventilation systems further enhance comfort on long missions and can help reduce jet lag on longer sectors.
The A321XLR supports routes up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), well into long-range territory traditionally served by widebody aircraft.
Delivery delays launch of A321XLR London service
Qanot Sharq’s network spans Europe and Asia, with services to major destinations including Prague, Milan, Budapest, Beijing, Guangzhou, Sanya, and Denpasar.
The Airbus delivery announcement highlighted that potential destinations for the airline’s new A321XLR would include Sanya (China), Busan (South Korea) and New York City (via Budapest).
Qanot Sharq had announced plans to launch the A321XLR service on direct flights to London from December 15, based on an anticipated December 12 delivery date. The airline has not yet updated the launch date for the A321XLR on this route. Tickets are available on its website for Monday, December 22, but the booking engine lists the operating aircraft as Airbus A321.
Modernising the Qanot Sharq fleet for growth
Qanot Sharq operates a small all-Airbus fleet, consisting of:
- 2 × Airbus A320-200 — core short- and medium-haul workhorses
- 2 × Airbus A321neo — extended medium-haul operations
- 2 × Airbus A330-200 — widebody aircraft deployed on select international routes
The airline has placed orders for additional A320-family jets, including three A321XLRs and two A321LRs, under leases scheduled through 2026-2027, intended to expand its capacity and network reach.
For Qanot Sharq, the A321XLR will enable direct long-range services without the cost or scale requirements of larger widebodies. The combination of fuel efficiency, cabin comfort, and expanded range gives the airline flexibility to tap into underserved long-haul markets, strengthen European connectivity, and potentially pursue future transcontinental routes.
With its first A321XLR now delivered, comfort-oriented cabins, and London service imminent, Qanot Sharq is poised to connect Uzbekistan to a broader range of destinations more seamlessly.
Featured Image: Airbus
