NEW AIRLINE - Air Samarkand unveiled with arrival of first Airbus A330 aircraft

 

Carrier being established as part of major tourism initiative in one of Asia's oldest cities
SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, Nov. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A new airline is to launch direct services from Uzbekistan's second-largest city of Samarkand, as part of a major tourism and commercial drive for the historic region.
Air Samarkand will operate scheduled and charter flights from Samarkand to a growing number of destinations before the end of 2023 – beginning with services to cities in Turkey, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
Air Samarkand plans further expansion into Europe over the next 12 months as it grows its fleet of Airbus A330 and A320 aircraft. The full-service carrier expects to have five aircraft in operation before the end of 2023.

Air Samarkand unveiled the new livery on its first Airbus A330. This modern aircraft will offer a two-cabin configuration of 277 economy and 36 business class seats on non-stop flights with a range of up to 11,500 km. It will provide a spacious twin aisle cabin with large overhead storage for hand luggage, high standards of passenger seat comfort and an inflight entertainment system (IFE) delivered to passengers via screens built-in into every seat.

Air Samarkand expects to welcome the arrival of a second, Airbus A231 aircraft in the coming days. It is designed for medium-haul routes and will mark a rapid development of the Air Samarkand fleet, with the airline hoping to have 5 aircraft in operation by the end of 2023.

The first route developments will be announced in the coming weeks, as Air Samarkand gears up to the launch of its initial services.

Photo: Justin Lin

A330-302 / 2-LCCV / MSN: 1177

Ex. China Airlines B-18355. Seen here departing from runway 5L, ferry flight to Samarkand (SKD).