On 20th December 2025 spotters and journalists at Tashkent🇺🇿 airport welcomed the first Airbus A321XLR in Central Asia and CIS countries.
The Uzbekistan's first private airline Qanot Sharq became the first operator of this type in former Soviet countries. The aircraft with tail number UK32112 is leased from Air Lease🇺🇸 and was delivered strait from Airbus factory in Hamburg.
Due to the weather conditions (showering snow and negative temperature) it wasn't possible to organize traditional water salute, however the aircraft was still solemnly welcomed, presented to journalists. The event and speeches by airline's CEO Moisey Vasilyevich Pak, representatives of Airbus and administration of Uzbekistan Civil Aviation Agency with participation of diplomatic corps of embassies of Germany and France in Uzbekistan ended with a solemn buffet and gift presentation.
Qanot Sharq and Air Lease Corporation signed an agreement on 18th February 2025, which stated that Qanot Sharq will receive three new A321XLR and two A321neo for operational leasing from order portfolio of Air Lease form Airbus corporation until the end of 2027.
This aircraft will mostly be used on regular flights to London and flights to popular destinations in Asia. The aircraft has a 16C@45" + 174Y@31" seat configuration and adjustable seats with a pitch of 18" and leather headrests. Seats are equipped with personal charging ports and entertainment system with access through passenger's personal electronic device which allows to comfortably operate flights within longer range.
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Main specifications of the aircraft type:
Length: 44.51m
Wingspan: 35.80m
Height: 11.76m
Fuselage diameter: 3.95m
Width of passenger cabin: 3.70m
Length of passenger cabin: 34.44m
Baggage capacity: 9-10 pallets or LD3-45W containers
Range with commercial load: 8700km
Flight time: up to 11 hours
Maximum take off weight: 101.5t
Cruise speed: 0.82М
Main difference between XLR and А321Neo is presence of additional 12900l fuel tank which is located behind the main gear compartment (in sections 15-17), revised automatic trimming system and significantly improved navigation system control block in the cockpit.
We thank Qanot Sharq for organization and invitation to the event and wish them further development in all directions!
