The orders for the new year are trickling through, with Uzbekistan Airways placing an order for single-aisle aircraft from Airbus.
The national carrier of the Republic of Uzbekistan has placed a firm order with Airbus for 12 A320neo Family aircraft, divided into eight A320neo and four A321neo.
The new aircraft will join the fleet of 17 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. A decision about the engines will be made by the airline at a later stage.
The A320neo Family aircraft will feature the new Airbus Airspace cabin, bringing premium comfort to the single-aisle market. The airline is planning to operate its new aircraft to further develop its domestic and international route network.
No delivery date has been identified as yet.
In Quotes
Ilhom Makhkamov, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airways.
“The contract signed with Airbus is a new step in our fleet modernization strategy aimed at offering our passengers the most modern and comfortable aircraft. At the same time these new fuel efficient A320neo Family aircraft will help us to further expand and strengthen our footprint in Central Asia as well as develop our domestic and international network”
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus.
“Our cooperation with Uzbekistan Airways dates back to 1993. It is an honor that the A320neo Family has now again been chosen. We see good potential for growth in the Central Asia region in the years to come. The modern and efficient A320neo will enable Uzbekistan Airways to benefit from this growth and play a leading role in this region”
Airbus in the narrow body, Boeing in the wide.
It seems Uzbekistan Airways is continuing with its fleet strategy, with the airline focusing on the Airbus A320 family for narrow-body operations (as the airline looks to phase out its Boeing 757-200 fleet), whilst keeping Boeing aircraft for its wide-body and longer-haul operation.
The airline is also in the queue for the Airbus A321XLR – allowing it to replace the Boeing 757-200 in the longer term.
For Uzbekistan Airways, it’s a chance to modernise, expand and offer more options for its passengers.