FLEET / HYBRIDS c/s - Uzbekistan Airways wet-leases two A330s

Uzbekistan Airways (HY, Tashkent International) has wet-leased two A330-200s from local carrier Qanot Sharq (HH, Tashkent International) for one year, meaning the latter has reverted to narrowbody-only in-house operations.

UK-33020 (msn 1237) entered into service for the flag carrier on May 20, operating the Tashkent International-Istanbul Airport-Tashkent rotation. It is configured for up to 265 passengers, including 18 in business class and features a hybrid livery with Uzbekistan Airways branding. The aircraft was last in service with Qanot Sharq on April 25, 2024, used by the privately owned carrier mainly to run leisure and Umrah charters for just over two months.

The other A330, UK-33021 (msn 1260), was delivered to Tashkent in mid-December 2023 but has not been active since then. It has the same cabin layout. Both aircraft are of ex-Air China stock and are just under 13 years of age.

"The decision to add A330 aircraft was made as part of the airline's development strategy and Uzbekistan Airways' plans to expand its flight geography and increase the frequency of existing routes. Our goal is to consistently grow each year to maintain Uzbekistan Airways' status as one of the most reliable and safe carriers on the international stage," the flag carrier's chief executive, Shukhrat Khudaykulov, said.

The state-owned carrier's in-house widebody passenger fleet comprises five B767-300ERs and seven B787-8s. It does not have any outstanding orders for widebody aircraft.

Following the wet lease of the two A330s, one of which was never in revenue service with the airline, Qanot Sharq relies on narrowbody aircraft, operating two A320-200s and two A321-200NX.

CH Aviation
Photo:Daniil Shulimov

UK33020 - Airbus A330-243