Uzbekistan Airways signs lease agreement with SMBC Aviation Capital for Airbus A321 NEO aircraft

Uzbekistan Airways signed a lease agreement with SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world's leading aircraft leasing companies, for 2 Airbus A321 NEO aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled to deliver in 2026 and will come from SMBC Aviation Capital’s direct Airbus orderbook.

These Airbus A321 NEO aircraft are a new aircraft type for Uzbekistan Airways and will allow the airline to expand its routes into Europe and South East Asia.

Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airways, said:  

“Uzbekistan Airways has set an ambitious goal to become a leader in air transportation on Central Asia region. It is planned to constantly expand the route network, increase the number of flights and efficiently operate them on new Airbus A320/A321 NEO family. This type of aircraft will help to provide the necessary conditions for a comfortable flight and exciting journey. We will undoubtedly achieve all these goals thanks to receiving the new aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital.” 

Conor Stafford, Head of Airline Marketing, SMBC Aviation Capital said:  

“We are delighted to welcome Uzbekistan Airways as a new customer to SMBC Aviation Capital and we look forward to many successful years of partnership together. These new tech, fuel efficient A321 NEO aircraft will support Uzbekistan Airways as they expand their route network through South East Asia and Europe.”

ABOUT SMBC AVIATION CAPITAL: 

Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world’s largest aircraft lessors. SMBC Aviation Capital has a high-quality global airline customer base with a portfolio comprising 83% narrow-body aircraft and 66% new technology aircraft (by net book value). With an owned managed and committed fleet of over 1000 aircraft, SMBC Aviation Capital has a strong capital position and holds an A- and BBB+ rating with S&P and Fitch respectively, reflecting the long-term strength of its business. For more information, please visit: https://www.smbc.aero/ 

ABOUT UZBEKISTAN AIRWAYS: 

Uzbekistan Airways, the national carrier of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was established in 1992 by a decree of the Uzbekistan's first President, Islam Karimov. Today, the Uzbekistan Airways Group encompasses not only the airline itself but also Uzbekistan Airways Technics, Uzbekistan Airways Training Centre, Uzbekistan Airways Sales, Uzbekistan Airways Catering, Uzbekistan Helicopters, and the regional carrier Silk Avia (part of the Uzbekistan Helicopters). Uzbekistan Airways operates scheduled flights to over 75 destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America and has representative offices in more than 20 countries worldwide. With a strong focus on growth, Uzbekistan Airways continues to expand its route network, add new aircraft to its fleet, and solidify its presence in the global aviation market.