Overview
- Airbus confirmed on November 19 that Qanot Sharq received the first of four A321XLRs under a long-term lease with Air Lease Corporation.
- The aircraft is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and seats 190 passengers in two classes, with 16 lie-flat business seats and 174 in economy.
- Qanot Sharq plans to deploy the type on international routes including Sanya, Busan and New York via Budapest.
- Air Lease says it is the first lessor to introduce the A321XLR to Asia through its partnership with the Uzbekistan-based carrier.
- The regional milestone comes as American Airlines ran the first U.S. A321XLR flight on December 18 from New York JFK to Los Angeles with more than 150 passengers.