Avolon Lease Deal Boosts Centrum Air Growth in Uzbekistan

Avolon and Centrum Air Solidify Partnership with New Fleet Agreement

We are witnessing a significant development in the Central Asian aviation sector as Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, has officially announced a lease agreement with Centrum Air. This deal, which involves the placement of five new Airbus A320neo aircraft, marks a pivotal moment for the Tashkent-based airline. The agreement was disclosed during the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, highlighting the growing importance of Uzbekistan’s aviation market on the global stage. The delivery of these aircraft is scheduled to commence in 2027, providing Centrum Air with the capacity needed to execute its ambitious long-term growth strategy.

This collaboration underscores the rapid rise of Centrum Air, a private airline that was established relatively recently in January 2023. By securing these assets from a major lessor like Avolon, the carrier is positioning itself to compete more aggressively in both regional and international markets. The deal is not merely a transaction of assets but a strategic alignment that supports the airline’s goal of transforming Tashkent into a major transit hub. We see this as a clear indicator of the airline’s intent to bridge connections between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, reviving the historical concept of the “Silk Road” through modern aviation.

For Avolon, this agreement represents a continued investment in high-growth emerging markets. As the world’s second-largest aircraft leasing company, Avolon’s involvement validates the potential of the Uzbek market. The lessor has already established a working relationship with Centrum Air, having recently delivered an Airbus A320-200 to the carrier. This new agreement for five additional aircraft strengthens the bond between the Dublin-based lessor and the Uzbek operator, ensuring a steady pipeline of modern tonnage for the airline’s expanding operations.

Strategic Fleet Modernization and Capabilities

The choice of the Airbus A320neo for this expansion is a calculated move driven by the aircraft’s technical capabilities. The “Neo” (New Engine Option) designation refers to the aircraft’s advanced engine technology and aerodynamic improvements, which offer significant fuel savings and range capabilities compared to previous generations. For an airline like Centrum Air, which operates a hybrid business model blending low-cost efficiency with full-service elements, these operational efficiencies are critical. The enhanced range of the A320neo is particularly relevant, as it enables the carrier to open longer, non-stop routes to destinations in Western Europe and Southeast Asia that were previously less improved economically.

Avolon’s scale allows it to support such significant fleet upgrades. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Avolon owns, manages, and has committed to a massive fleet of approximately 1,159 aircraft as of late 2025. Their ability to secure and place these highly in-demand aircraft speaks to their market position. Furthermore, at the same Dubai Airshow where the Centrum deal was announced, Avolon committed to a major order for 100 CFM LEAP-1A engines. This ensures that the A320neo portfolio they offer to customers like Centrum Air is equipped with top-tier, fuel-efficient propulsion technology, directly translating to lower operating costs for the lessee.

The delivery timeline of 2027 aligns with Centrum Air’s maturation phase. Currently, the airline operates a mixed fleet including Airbus A320ceo, A321neo, and widebody A330-300 aircraft. By the time the new A320neos arrive, the airline expects to have fully integrated its current assets and established its route network. The addition of these five aircraft will likely replace older models or facilitate pure growth, allowing the airline to maintain a young, fuel-efficient fleet that appeals to environmentally conscious passengers and regulators in strict jurisdictions like the European Union.

“These new aircraft will play an important role in supporting our strategic plans for expansion and improving the travel experience for our passengers.”

, Abdulaziz Abdurakhmanov, Chair of Centrum Air.

Expanding the Silk Road: Route Network Growth

The acquisition of these aircraft is inextricably linked to Centrum Air’s aggressive route expansion plans for the 2025–2027 period. The airline has publicly stated its intention to quadruple its route network in 2025 alone. This expansion is not limited to regional hops but involves entering competitive long-haul markets. Specifically, the airline is targeting the Indian market, with plans to launch direct flights to Hyderabad and Bengaluru in 2026. These routes are designed to capture the burgeoning demand from student travelers and the medical tourism sector, connecting the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia and beyond.

In addition to the eastward expansion, Centrum Air is looking West. The extended range of the A320neo facilitates planned routes to major European hubs including Frankfurt, Copenhagen, and Milan. Establishing these connections is vital for the airline’s “hub-and-spoke” strategy, where passengers from Southeast Asia or India can transit through Tashkent to reach Europe. This strategy mirrors the successful models of major Middle Eastern carriers, albeit on a different scale and geography. Furthermore, the airline is enhancing its leisure offerings with new services to Male (Maldives) starting in December 2025, alongside expanded connectivity to Russian cities such as St. Petersburg and Vladivostok.

We must also consider the leadership driving this expansion. Under the guidance of Chair and Founder Abdulaziz Abdurakhmanov and CEO Hussein Sherif Fahmi, the airline is navigating a complex regulatory and competitive landscape. Their strategy relies heavily on the geographic advantage of Uzbekistan. By positioning Tashkent as a central transit point, they aim to capture traffic flows that traditional carriers might miss. The 2027 arrival of the Avolon-leased aircraft will provide the necessary capacity to turn these planned routes into consistent, daily services, solidifying the carrier’s presence in the international market.

“We are delighted to welcome Centrum Air as a new customer… Central Asia is a market with huge potential, and we look forward to supporting Centrum Air’s growth.”

, Paul Geaney, Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon.

The Central Asian Aviation Boom

This specific lease agreement must be viewed against the broader backdrop of the aviation boom currently occurring in Uzbekistan. Since the introduction of government reforms and “Open Skies” policies around 2019–2020, Uzbekistan has emerged as the fastest-growing aviation market in Central Asia. These reforms have dismantled previous monopolies and encouraged the entry of private players like Centrum Air. The environment is now one of intense competition and rapid modernization, which benefits passengers through more choices and better connectivity.

Centrum Air is not operating in a vacuum; the region is experiencing a “Neo” wave, with multiple carriers upgrading their fleets. The national carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, and other competitors like Qanot Sharq are also in the process of modernizing their assets. This collective shift toward modern Airbus aircraft creates a robust ecosystem for maintenance, training, and operations within the country. It signals to international investors and lessors that the market is maturing and moving away from older, less efficient Soviet-era or aging Western aircraft.

Beyond passenger travel, the region is becoming a logistics powerhouse. Uzbekistan has recently surpassed Kazakhstan in air cargo volume, validating Tashkent’s status as a rising logistics super-hub. While the Avolon deal focuses on passenger aircraft, the economic vitality driven by cargo and trade strengthens the overall business case for passenger airlines. As business ties grow between Uzbekistan and global markets, the demand for business travel increases, further justifying the need for the modern, reliable capacity that the A320neo provides.

Concluding Outlook

The agreement between Avolon and Centrum Air is a strong indicator of the health and trajectory of the Central Asian aviation market. For Avolon, placing five high-value assets with a private Uzbek carrier demonstrates confidence in the region’s stability and growth potential. For Centrum Air, securing these aircraft for 2027 delivery ensures that their aggressive expansion plans are backed by tangible, efficient assets. This partnership highlights how leasing giants are pivotal in enabling the growth of emerging market airlines, providing the capital-intensive hardware needed to compete globally.

Looking ahead, as these aircraft enter service in 2027, we expect to see Tashkent solidify its position as a viable alternative transit hub connecting East and West. The success of this strategy will depend on the successful execution of the planned routes to India and Europe. If Centrum Air can maintain its service levels and fill the increased capacity provided by these A320neos, it will serve as a successful case study for aviation liberalization in Central Asia.

FAQ

Question: When will Centrum Air receive the new aircraft?
Answer: The five Airbus A320neo aircraft leased from Avolon are scheduled for delivery in 2027.

Question: What is the significance of the Airbus A320neo for Centrum Air?
Answer: The A320neo offers significant fuel savings and extended range, which allows Centrum Air to operate longer routes to Europe and Southeast Asia more efficiently.

Question: Who is Avolon?
Answer: Avolon is a Dublin-based aviation finance company and is currently the second-largest aircraft leasing company in the world.

Question: What are Centrum Air’s expansion plans?
Answer: The airline plans to quadruple its route network, adding destinations in India (Hyderabad, Bengaluru), Europe (Frankfurt, Milan), and leisure spots like the Maldives.

Sources

• Avolon Press Release