Uzbekistan-based airline Qanot Sharq has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The aircraft joined the fleet under a long-term lease agreement signed with Air Lease Corporation. Qanot Sharq is scheduled to receive a total of four A321XLR aircraft.
With this delivery, Qanot Sharq has become the first airline in Central Asia and the CIS region to add the A321XLR to its fleet. The next-generation aircraft supports the airline’s fleet modernization strategy and international network expansion plans, while significantly increasing connectivity capacity between Asia, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe. The A321XLR is expected to be deployed on routes to Asian destinations such as Sanya and Busan, as well as on a New York service via Budapest.
Powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, the aircraft features a two-class cabin configuration with a total seating capacity of 190 passengers. The cabin includes 16 fully flat Business Class seats and 174 Economy Class seats. Thanks to the Airbus Airspace cabin concept, the aircraft offers XL overhead bins providing 60 percent more volume compared to previous-generation aircraft, along with in-seat connectivity for all passengers and an advanced lighting system to enhance the overall passenger experience.
As the newest member of the A320neo family, the A321XLR addresses the demand for longer range and higher efficiency. The aircraft offers a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, around 15 percent greater than the A321LR. It also delivers 30 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation competing aircraft, reduced NOx emissions, and lower noise levels. To date, Airbus has received more than 500 orders for the A321XLR.
Like all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR is already capable of operating with up to 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Airbus aims to make all of its aircraft fully compatible with 100 percent SAF by 2030.
