Uzbekistan Airways, Uzbekistan’s national carrier, has signed a firm order for six Airbus A320 aircraft, further enlarging its Airbus fleet. The announcement was made at a signing ceremony in Tashkent on Thursday, 28 June.

The decision of the airline for Airbus follows a thorough evaluation process. The new A320s will replace older aircraft in the framework of Uzbekistan Airways’ fleet modernisation programme, reducing fuel consumption and operating costs. The engines have yet to be chosen.

Uzbekistan Airways will place the aircraft on domestic as well as on international routes, including destinations such as Delhi, Amristar and Lahore, as part of a dynamic route expansion plan. The carrier currently operates scheduled flights to more than 40 cities around the world in the US, Europe, Middle East and Central Asia. Uzbekistan Airways plans to continuously increase the number of destinations in the coming years.

"We pride ourselves in offering our passengers a service which meets the requirements of the world’s highest standards to ensure optimal comfort to our passengers. We constantly aim at improving our service even further, to provide the youngest and most modern fleet and to expand our air transportation network. The Airbus A320 is the ideal aircraft for us to realise our strategy", said Uzbekistan Airways General Director Valeriy Tyan.

"Uzbekistan Airways ranks among the leading carriers in Central Asia. By selecting the A320, they have chosen the world-leading single aisle aircraft, offering the most advanced technology and best operational cost. We look forward to being part of the promising expansion strategy of this successful and dynamic airline", said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Uzbekistan Airways National Air Company (NAC) was founded on January 28, 1992, starting out on international routes to London, Delhi, Karachi, Kuala-Lumpur, Tel-Aviv and Beijing, and very quickly growing to connect more than 40 airports worldwide. In recognition of its performance, the airline has already received the International Fund for Aviation Safety Diploma and a Certificate from Airports International Association and "Euromarket-2000".

Designed with advanced fuel-saving aerodynamics including winglets, with proven reliability and extended servicing intervals, the A320 Family has amongst the lowest operating costs of any aircraft. The cabin is the widest of any single aisle aircraft, which allows for added passenger room and comfort as well as operational advantages such as quicker boarding and disembarkation. The Airbus A320 Family is the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever with close to 5,100 orders and 3000 deliveries from more than 180 customers and operators.

Airbus is an EADS company.