Hong Kong, China, 30 August 2023 - China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited ("CALC" or the “Company”, HKSE stock code: 01848), a full value chain aircraft solutions provider for the global aviation industry, is pleased to announce the delivery of its first Airbus A320NEO aircraft to the flag carrier of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “Uzbekistan Airways” JSC (“Uzbekistan Airways”) on August 29th. The delivery took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, not only it celebrates the take-off of CALC’s cooperation with Uzbekistan Airways but also marks a milestone of CALC’s first footprints in the Central Asia market.
This delivery is the first Airbus A320NEO aircraft in the CALC fleet that is under lease to Uzbekistan Airways. The aircraft was manufactured in 2021, featuring a one-class cabin with 168 economy seats, and is powered by CFM Leap 1A engines. The A320NEO and its A320 family aircraft are the most popular single-aisle and latest technology aircraft that offer superior fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, and significant environmental benefits to support the modern fleet building of Uzbekistan Airways.
Shukhrat Khudaykulov, CEO of Uzbekistan Airways said: “This is the first aircraft leased from our new partners, CALC, which will increase passenger traffic on Uzbekistan Airways medium-haul routes. Today, the airline successfully operates 19 aircraft of the Airbus A320 family, and in the near future we plan to replenish the fleet with two more aircraft of this family. In total, during 2023, Uzbekistan Airways will expand its fleet of aircraft with five Airbus A320neo aircraft and two LET L-410 aircraft”.
Mike Poon, Executive Director and CEO of CALC said: "We are delighted to deliver the first A320NEO to Uzbekistan Airways as our first airline customer in Central Asia. Thanks to the trust and support of Uzbekistan Airways, CALC takes a further step in the continued growth in the Asia region with the launch of the partnership with Uzbekistan Airways. With our global footprint and in-demand aircraft portfolio, we see good opportunities for remaining on our growth course in the years to come as an active aircraft solutions provider in the market. CALC will continue to strongly support our airlines in optimizing their fleet by offering our comprehensive full value chain solutions as always.”