Airbus won its first new order for commercial jets in 2023 with the announcement of the agreement with Uzbekistan Airways for the supply of 12 aircraft of the A320neo family.
The national airline of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a contract to receive eight A320neo and four A321neo, but it has yet to decide whether the engines will be supplied by CFM (Leap 1-A) or Pratt & Whitney (GTF).
The aircraft will join 17 models of the A320 family, eight of them Neos, operated through leases. The carrier talks about renewing its fleet, so part of the first generation A320s may be retired over time.
“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.
Founded in 1992, Uzbekistan has a fleet of 37 planes, including old Boeing 757 and 767-300, but also seven modern 787-8 Dreamliner.
Airbus did not reveal when the new jets will start being delivered.
