ORDER - Uzbekistan Airways leases more A321neos

Uzbekistan Airways has announced it has signed lease-agreements with lessors CALC and ICBC for additional Airbus A321neos. With CALC, the airline is leasing four aircraft and with ICBC two. Delivery of the new Airbuses is scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

The additional leases are part of Uzbekistan Airways' fleet renewal program. The airline also has nine remaining open orders for the A321neo directly with Airbus.

Today, the airline's fleet is made-up of eleven A320s, ten A320neos, five A321neos, seven B767-300ERS, two B767-300Fs, seven B787-8s, and four Let 410s.

Photo by Uzbekistan Airways.

 

ORDER - Uzbekistan Airways Finalizes Order for Eight More Boeing 787 Dreamliners

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Uzbekistan Airways announced today the conversion of options into a firm order for eight 787 Dreamliners, bringing the flag carrier's total order book to 22 of the versatile widebody jets

These ultra-efficient 787-9 airplanes will enable Uzbekistan Airways to expand its international network as part of the airline's growth strategy. The signing ceremony took place at the C5+1 Summit in Washington, DC, and was witnessed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov.




Photo: Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Sales and Marketing for Eurasia and India; Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce; Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Paolo Zampolli, U.S. Special Envoy for Global Partnerships; and Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of Uzbekistan Airways.


ORDER - Uzbekistan Airways Orders up to 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Airline's Largest-ever Purchase

 - President of Uzbekistan joins Boeing and Uzbekistan Airways to unveil new airplane deal, aviation ecosystem partnership

- Central Asia's first 787 operator will modernize its widebody fleet for international expansion

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Uzbekistan Airways announced today the single largest order in the airline's history as the flag carrier plans to acquire up to 22 787 Dreamliners. Uzbekistan Airways' purchase of 14 787-9 airplanes, with options for eight more of the ultra-efficient jets, will modernize its Boeing widebody fleet while supporting nearly 35,000 U.S. jobs.

Republic of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined leaders from Boeing and Uzbekistan Airways to commemorate this firm order on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Boeing and the Uzbekistan Ministry of Transport also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to explore opportunities to further expand the country's aviation ecosystem.

"The Boeing 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be the cornerstone of our long-haul operations," said Uzbekistan Airways Chairman Shukhrat Khudaikulov. "With this new contract, we are further strengthening both our airline's and our nation's position as a leading aviation hub in Central Asia, while providing our passengers with greater global connectivity. This step reaffirms our ambitions and strategic commitment to sustainable growth."

The first 787 operator in Central Asia, Uzbekistan Airways leverages its fleet of 787-8 airplanes to connect markets in Europe, Asia and the U.S., including a direct flight to New York City. With increased capacity and extended range, the 787-9 will enable Uzbekistan Airways to expand international routes to the U.S. and other long-haul destinations as demand for international travel continues to rise.

"We value our nearly 30-year partnership with Uzbekistan Airways and will continue to support their growth strategy as they further connect the region and world," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "With its fuel efficiency and operational flexibility, the 787 Dreamliner will help Uzbekistan Airways expand into new markets, connecting more travelers to their rich culture."

The 787 Dreamliner family, recognized for its fuel efficiency, versatility and passenger comfort, enables airlines like Uzbekistan Airways to open new routes and serve more destinations. The 787's advanced aerodynamics, composite materials and innovative systems reduce fuel use by 25% compared to airplanes they replace.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity. 

FLEET - Uzbekistan Airways to add first two A321neo in 2026

Uzbekistan Airways (HY, Tashkent International) will take delivery of its first two A321-200Ns in 2026 as it continues with plans to expand its network and modernise its fleet.

The new jets will be supplied under a lease agreement that the airline signed with CALC on June 10, 2025, with both units coming from CALC’s direct Airbus orderbook, the lessor said in a press release.

The narrowbodies are expected to be configured with 16 business class seats and 156 economy class seats, local media outlet UZ Daily reported. The airline did not immediately respond to queries from ch-aviation on when it expected further aircraft deliveries.

According to ch-aviation data, the airline has eighteen of the variant on order. It currently operates 44 aircraft, namely nine A320-200s, ten A320-200Ns, five A321-200NX(LR)s, two ACJ320-200s, six B767-300ERs, two B767-300ER(BCF)s, seven B787-8s, two Il-76TDs, and one Pilatus PC-24.

The deal comes after the Uzbek government said in May it has agreed to buy fourteen Airbus aircraft and lease five more to refresh the carrier's fleet. In February, the airline also hinted it was planning to sign a memorandum of understanding with Boeing for fourteen incremental B787-8s.

As part of its growth strategy, the airline plans to launch its initial public offering (IPO) in 2026, along with 11 other large state-owned enterprises. It is already pushing ahead with its IPO preparations by switching from national to international accounting standards and also plans to sign a financing agreement with Deutsche Bank to fund aircraft purchases.

CH Aviation

photo: Marco Moutinho - MAD

 

FLEET - Uzbekistan Airways mulls order for fourteen B787-8s - report

The board chairman of Uzbekistan Airways (HY, Tashkent International) said at a press conference that the carrier is preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding with Boeing for fourteen incremental B787-8s.

"We are currently finalising the details for the delivery of fourteen Boeing B787-8 Dreamliners between 2029 and 2032. The estimated cost of the project is USD2 billion," said Shukhrat Khudaykulov.

The airline already operates seven B787-8s, including one that is VIP configured for the government. They are between 5.6 and 8.5 years of age and were ordered in batches in 2007 (two), 2016 (four), and 2018 (one). All are owned by the airline or the government.

Uzbekistan's president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, recently approved tapping international money markets to raise USD400 million for the country's transportation sector, with USD100 million going to the state-owned carrier. Khudaykulov said Uzbekistan Airways was close to signing an agreement with Deutsche Bank to secure this funding.

The Boeing order, if it proceeds, would be additional to a November 2022 order for 12 narrowbodies from Airbus, specifically, eight A320-200Ns and four A321-200Ns. It has since converted the order to all-A321neo and increased it to 14 units.

The state-owned carrier flies to 71 airports in 29 countries, according to the ch-aviation PRO airlines module. Its 44 aircraft include nine A320-200s, ten A320-200Ns, five A321-200NX(LR)s, one (wet leased) A330-200, two ACJ320-200s, five B767-300ERs, two B767-300ER(BCF)s, seven B787-8s, two Il-76TDs, and one Pilatus PC-24. In recent years, Uzbekistan Airways has made efforts to modernise its fleet, expand its reach, and capitalise on its strategic positioning midway between Asia and Europe.

CH Aviation

 

ROUTES - UZBEKISTAN AIRWAYS NS25 LONDON CAPACITY INCREASES

Uzbekistan Airways in Northern summer 2025 season plans to expand capacity to London, including both Gatwick and Heathrow. Planned service changes include the following.

Tashkent – London Gatwick 03AUG25 – 28SEP25 787-8 replaces A321neo LR, 1 weekly

HY203 TAS1055 – 1435LGW 788 7
HY204 LGW1610 – 0300+1TAS 788 7

Tashkent – London Heathrow 13JUN25 – 19SEP25 1 of 2 weekly 787-8 replaces A321neo LR (All 2 weekly operated by 787 05AUG25 – 22AUG25)

HY201 TAS1110 – 1450LHR 789 5
HY201 TAS1110 – 1450LHR 32Q 2

HY202 LHR1620 – 0310+1TAS 789 5
HY202 LHR1620 – 0310+1TAS 32Q 2

Photo:Uzbekistan Airways

 

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

Fleet Modernization - Uzbekistan Airways takes first Let L-410UVP-E20 Turbolet / OK-JNL

Uzbekistan Airways (HY, Tashkent International) has taken delivery of the first of two firm-ordered Let 410UVP-E20s.

OK-JNL (msn 3410) was ferried from Uherske Hradiste via Burgas, Samsun Carsamba, and Dashogus to Tashkent International over the course of July 13-14, 2023. It has yet to be re-registered as UK41002 and deployed into revenue service, which is expected shortly. The airline expects the second Let Kunovice turboprop by the end of the year. It also holds options for another two of the type.

Uzbekistan Airways plans to deploy the Let 410s on domestic services to currently unserved points with ultra-short runways, including Andizhan and Zarafshan among others.

The aircraft will be the only regional turboprops in the state-owned carrier's fleet, which otherwise comprises A320ceo and A320neo Family narrowbodies, B767-300ERs (including freighter B767-300(ERBCF)s), and B787-8s.
Ch Aviation

Photo:  Varjat

Tashkent Yuzhny - UTTT, Uzbekistan

 

Uzbekistan Airways orders 12 A320neo Family aircraft

Tashkent, 20 January 2023 – Uzbekistan Airways, the national carrier of the Republic of Uzbekistan, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 12 A320neo Family aircraft (eight A320neo and four A321neo). The new aircraft will join the carrier’s current fleet of 17 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. The choice of 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.

“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”, said Ilhom Makhkamov, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airways.

“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”, said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus.

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 20 percent fuel saving and CO2 emissions. With over 8,600 orders from more than 130 customers, the A320neo Family is the world’s most popular aircraft.

Airbus

Uzbekistan Airways orders additional Airbuses

 The President of Uzbekistan conducted a state-visit to France. During this visit both countries signed various trade-deals, including an additional order for Airbuses for Uzbekistan Airways. In total, the airline has secured orders for eight A320neos and four A321neos.

Today, Uzbekistan Airways is operating a fleet of eleven A320s, three A320neos, three A321-200NXs, two Boeing B757-200s, one VIP B767-300ER, two B767-300Fs, six B767-300ERs, one VIP B787-8 and six B787-8s.

Photo by Uzbekistan Airways.

Scramble

Boeing, Uzbekistan Airways Fly Critical Supplies to Uzbekistan

Supplies provided by Project C.U.R.E.; Boeing donates $100,000 to the relief organization

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 5, 2021 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Uzbekistan Airways recently delivered humanitarian relief supplies to the Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan on board the airline’s newest 787-8 Dreamliner.



The shipment of hospital beds, mattresses and wheelchairs will help medical personnel and facilities treat the most vulnerable of Uzbekistan’s population. This is the third humanitarian delivery flight partnership between Boeing and the airline.

“We are delighted to have partnered with Boeing and Project C.U.R.E. to bring home a new consignment of medical supplies on our 787-8 delivery flight,” said Ilkhom Makhkamov, chairman of Uzbekistan Airways. “This third flight builds on our partnership for two previous humanitarian flights in 2016. We would like to thank all involved parties for their generosity to support the Uzbek communities during this global pandemic.”

People living in the Aral Sea region of the world experience high incidences of disease and some of the world’s highest rates of infant mortality. Additionally, the new challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic are exacerbated by limited health care facilities, capacity, infrastructure and lack of timely access to medical care. That’s why Project C.U.R.E. donated eight pallets of goods received in Uzbekistan by the Ministry of Health Republic of Karakalpakstan.

“Project C.U.R.E. is honored to work with Boeing’s team and the Embassy of Uzbekistan on this program to assist the health facilities of Karakalpakstan,” said Melisa Esposti, Project C.U.R.E. director of Government and NGO Relations. “We are very thankful to have the humanitarian assistance transported by Boeing and Uzbekistan Airways to Tashkent as quickly as possible during this unprecedented pandemic. Thank you to all of the Boeing employees involved and to all of the Project C.U.R.E. team and volunteers who made this all possible.”

Project C.U.R.E. is the world’s largest distributor of donated medical relief, delivering life-saving medical equipment to hospitals and clinics throughout the under-resourced world in more than 135 countries. In addition to partnering with Uzbekistan Airways and Project C.U.R.E. on this humanitarian delivery flight, Boeing also announced a $100,000 donation to support Project C.U.R.E. in its mission to provide medical supplies to Uzbek hospitals and facilities in the Aral Sea Region.

“We are pleased to have supported Uzbekistan Airways in transporting medical supplies to better empower and equip medical facilities in the region through the Humanitarian Delivery Flight program,” said Bill McSherry, vice president of Government Operations for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Furthermore, we are honored to provide $100,000 to Project C.U.R.E. to support its critical work in Uzbekistan, particularly at a time when the pandemic has created a greater demand than ever for critical medical supplies, infrastructure and care.”

“I would like to express my gratitude to Boeing for their support in making the shipment of humanitarian aid possible directly from Seattle to Tashkent,” said Javlon Vakhabov, ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan. “Undoubtedly, this humble collaboration of Uzbekistan Airways, Boeing and Project C.U.R.E. with the sole aim of helping people in need is a vivid testimony of pure friendship and solidarity. It is my firm belief that the generous donations of the American people will find their best use in Uzbekistan’s hospitals, particularly in Karakalpakstan region – the most affected area by the Aral Sea catastrophe.”

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.

Uzbekistan Airways to expand fleet and create LCC

 
According to the Uzbekistan Presidential News Service, Uzbekistan Airways is planning to expand the fleet with three leased A321-200NX(LR)s and will also establish an LCC (Low Cost Carrier).

The three A321-200NX(LR)s will be used to boost the airline's long-haul fleet, which currently consists of five B757-200s, six B767-300ERs and five B787-8s. It is, however, expected that the three will be used to replace the airline's four B757-200s, which are almost 22-years old.

Next to the Boeings, Uzbekistan Airways also operates a fleet of eleven A320s and three A320neos. Four of the A320s, however, will be transferred to the airline's new LCC. The new, for now unnamed airline, is due to launch in the third quarter of this year and will launch with domestic flights only.
Photo: Uzbekistan

Fleet expansion inspires Uzbekistan Airways’ traffic growth

The country’s president continues to criticise the industry’s pace of development, though

The distance between Moscow and Tashkent is about 2,800 km – and that is one of the routes operated by Uzbekistan Airways’ Boeing 787 Dreamliners (Artyom Korenyako / ATO.ru)

Uzbekistan Airways, the central Asian country’s sole airline, achieved improved operational results in 2019 when the state-owned carrier expanded and modernised its fleet, enlarged its route map, and enjoyed double-digit traffic growth. Nevertheless, the president of Uzbekistan remains discontented with the pace of development of the country’s commercial aviation industry.

FLEET AND TRAFFIC GROWTH

Uzbekistan Airways carried 3.802 million passengers on its 26,465 flights last year, resulting in an almost 19 per cent improvement of operational performance compared to 2018, the airline reports.

According to Russian Aviation Insider’s calculations, the average number of passengers carried on each of Uzbekistan Airways’ flights was 144 – a relatively modest result considering the scaling up the airline’s fleet, which now includes high-capacity Boeing 757-200, B767-300ER and B787-8 aircraft. The Uzbek airline has been striving to strengthen its positions in the strategically important air travel market between Russia and Uzbekistan. An example of this effort is its 2019 traffic through St Petersburg’s Pulkovo airport, which increased by 20.1 per cent (to 288,700 passengers), whilst the number of passengers on the route to and from Yemelyanovo in Krasnoyarsk climbed by six per cent to 15,300.

The rise in passenger demand was supported by fleet expansion and renewal projects last year in which Uzbekistan Airways took delivery of two Airbus A320neos and two Boeing 787-8s. The arrival of its sixth Dreamliner is scheduled for the first quarter of this year.

With that in mind, it is virtually impossible to accurately assess Uzbekistan Airways’ financial status. According to some observers, it appears that the airline’s fleet management is far from optimal, and the company may have accumulated historical debts through obscure leasing schemes. There are no ways to officially confirm this information, as Uzbekistan Airways remains tight-lipped even though it changed its status from a state-run unitary enterprise to a joint-stock company late last year.

PRESIDENTIAL CRITICISM

Uzbekistan Airways changed its ownership structure in the course of major reforms launched by Uzbekistan’s president Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2018. Even so, the head of state remains discontented with the current state of affairs in the country’s civil aviation industry. The reforms stalled when the newly liberated Uzbekistan Airways and Uzbekistan Airports, which emerged from the state-owned national structure called National Aviation Complex Uzbekiston Havo Yullary, failed to operate efficiently as separate entities, according to the records of the recent government meeting headed by president Mirziyoyev. The summit was dedicated to the priority tasks of improving the efficiency of the country’s transport infrastructure and representatives from both Uzbekistan Airways and Uzbekistan Airports insisted that the reforms will pick-up at a faster pace. “We hope that, as a result of intensified reform activities, 2020 will be a break-through year for [our] aviation industry. It is well known that, for the last three decades, reforms were non-existent in the industry, which resulted in the accumulation of serious problems and discrepancies. Not enough attention was given to the industry, as it developed as an absolute monopoly with no competition at all. This affected the fares and the levels of service,” both organisations agreed in a statement.

In the mean time, Uzbekistan Airways’ press department has revealed the airline’s primary objectives for this year, which include the further expansion of its flight geography, continued fleet modernisation, attracting new investment, the introduction of modern technologies and improving the passenger experience. Although it’s hard to see the concrete measures that will support these general statements, it can be said with confidence that the substantial changes in Uzbekistan’s civil aviation sector will continue. With good luck and fair winds, president Mirziyoyev’s efforts will help the aviation industry to transform and rejuvenate the country’s travel and transfer potential.
By Artyom Korenyako

Russian Aviation Insider in Air Transport, Uzbekistan