Qanot Sharq has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR in Hamburg under a long-term lease from Air Lease, marking the airline as the first operator of the type in Central Asia and the CIS. The aircraft is the first of four A321XLRs ordered and supports the carrier’s strategy to modernise its fleet and expand long-haul and thin-route connectivity.
Powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, the aircraft features a 190-seat, two-class configuration with 16 full-flat Business Class seats and 174 Economy seats, incorporating Airbus’ Airspace cabin, larger overhead bins, in-seat connectivity and advanced lighting.
The A321XLR will enable Qanot Sharq to launch and strengthen services to key markets across Asia-Pacific and Europe, including routes to Sanya, Busan and New York (via Budapest). Offering up to 4,700 nautical miles of range, the A321XLR delivers significantly lower fuel burn, emissions and noise compared with previous-generation aircraft and is already certified to operate with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel.