SMBC Aviation Capital has signed a lease agreement with Uzbekistan Airways for two A321neos, which will be delivered in 2026 from SMBC’s direct orderbook with Airbus.
On Tuesday (September 24, 2024), SMBC Aviation Capital announced the signing of a lease agreement with Uzbekistan Airways for two Airbus A321neos. The aircraft will be delivered in 2026 from SMBC’s direct orderbook with Airbus. The A321neo aircraft are a new type for the carrier, and will allow Uzbekistan Airways to expand their route network into Europe and Southeast Asia.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Uzbekistan Airways’ Chairman of the Board, Shukhrat, said,
“Uzbekistan Airways has set an ambitious goal to become a leader in air transportation on Central Asia region. It is planned to constantly expand the route network, increase the number of flights and efficiently operate them on new Airbus A320/A321 NEO family. This type of aircraft will help to provide the necessary conditions for a comfortable flight and exciting journey. We will undoubtedly achieve all these goals thanks to receiving the new aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital.”
Also commenting on the new lease agreement, SMBC Aviation Capital’s Head of Marketing, Conor Stafford, added,
“We are delighted to welcome Uzbekistan Airways as a new customer to SMBC Aviation Capital and we look forward to many successful years of partnership together. These new tech, fuel efficient A321 NEO aircraft will support Uzbekistan Airways as they expand their route network through South East Asia and Europe.”
Founded in 1992, Uzbekistan Airways is the national flag carrier of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Group now includes Uzbekistan Airways, Uzbekistan Airways Technics, Uzbekistan Airways Training Centre, Uzbekistan Airways Sales, Uzbekistan Airways Catering, Uzbekistan Helicopters, and the regional carrier Silk Avia (part of the Uzbekistan Helicopters). The carrier currently serves 75 destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America, and maintains offices in over 20 cities worldwide.
Established in 2001, Dublin-based SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors and currently serves nearly 100 airline customers in 36 countries. The company has an owned, managed and committed portfolio of over 1,000 aircraft and focuses on technologically advanced fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft types. In 2012, SMBC was acquired by a consortium of two of Japan’s biggest companies, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) and Sumitomo Corporation.
Source: SMBC Aviation Capital
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