Qanot Sharq has become the first Airbus A321XLR operator in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), after taking delivery of its brand-new aircraft.
On November 19, 2025, Airbus confirmed that the first of four A321XLRs has been delivered to the Uzbekistan airline as part of a long-term lease agreement with Air Lease Cooperation (ALC).
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.
Qanot Sharq will utilize its fleet of XLRs to expand its international route network and service key markets across Asia, including Sanya, Busan and New York (via Budapest).
“I am delighted to further strengthen our partnership with Air Lease as we welcome our first A321XLR,” said Nosir Abdugafarov, owner of Qanot Sharq Airlines. “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.”
In February 2025, US-based Air Lease and Qanot Sharq signed an agreement for several new aircraft, with deliveries scheduled for between 2026 and 2027.
The new Qanot Sharq A321XLR was seen as it left the paint shop at the Airbus Finkenwerder facility, near Hamburg, Germany, in October 2025.
“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,” said AJ Abedin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Air Lease. “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.”
In other A321XLR related news, American Airlines operated its first Airbus A321XLR flight on December 18, 2025, becoming the first US carrier to fly the new long-range aircraft.
The inaugural service departed New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 11:00 ET, carrying more than 150 passengers to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).