This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and Qanot Sharq.

Qanot Sharq Becomes First Central Asian Operator of Airbus A321XLR

On December 19, 2025, Qanot Sharq, Uzbekistan’s first private airline, officially took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft. The delivery, facilitated through a lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC), marks a historic milestone for aviation in the region, as Qanot Sharq becomes the launch operator of the A321XLR in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

This aircraft is the first of four confirmed A321XLR units destined for the carrier. According to the official announcement, the airline intends to utilize the aircraft’s extended range to open new long-haul markets that were previously inaccessible to single-aisle jets, including planned services to North America and East Asia.

Aircraft Configuration and Capabilities

The newly delivered A321XLR is powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines and features a two-class layout designed to balance capacity with passenger comfort on longer sectors. The aircraft accommodates a total of 190 passengers.

• Business Class: 16 lie-flat seats, offering a premium product for long-haul travelers.
• Economy Class: 174 seats.

In addition to the seating configuration, the aircraft is fitted with Airbus’ “Airspace” cabin interior. Key features include customizable LED lighting, lower cabin altitude settings to reduce jet lag, and XL overhead bins that provide 60% more storage capacity compared to previous generation aircraft.

Nosir Abdugafarov, the owner of Qanot Sharq, emphasized the strategic importance of the delivery in a statement regarding the fleet expansion.

“The A321XLR’s exceptional range and efficiency will allow us to offer greater comfort and convenience while maintaining highly competitive operating economics.”

, Nosir Abdugafarov, Owner of Qanot Sharq

Strategic Network Expansion

The introduction of the A321XLR allows Qanot Sharq to deploy a narrowbody aircraft on routes typically reserved for widebody jets. With a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), the airline plans to connect Tashkent with destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America.

According to the airline’s strategic roadmap, the new fleet will support route expansion to Sanya (China) and Busan (South Korea). Furthermore, the airline has explicitly outlined plans to serve New York (JFK) via Budapest. While the A321XLR has impressive range, the distance between Tashkent and New York (approximately 5,500 nm) necessitates a technical stop. Budapest will serve as this intermediate point, potentially allowing the airline to tap into passenger demand between Central Europe and the United States, subject to regulatory approvals.

AJ Abedin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Air Lease Corporation, noted the geographical advantages available to the airline.

“Qanot Sharq is uniquely positioned to unlock the full potential of the A321XLR due to its strategic location in Uzbekistan, bridging Europe and Asia.”

, AJ Abedin, SVP Marketing, Air Lease Corporation

AirPro News Analysis: The Long-Haul Low-Cost Shift

The delivery of the A321XLR signals a distinct shift in the competitive landscape of Uzbek aviation. Until now, long-haul flights from Tashkent,specifically to the United States,have been the exclusive domain of the state-owned flag carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, which utilizes Boeing 787 Dreamliners for non-stop service.

By adopting the A321XLR, Qanot Sharq appears to be pursuing a “long-haul low-cost” hybrid model. The A321XLR burns approximately 30% less fuel per seat than previous-generation aircraft, allowing the private carrier to operate long routes with significantly lower trip costs than its state-owned competitor. While the one-stop service via Budapest will result in a longer total travel time compared to Uzbekistan Airways’ direct flights, the lower operating costs could allow Qanot Sharq to offer more competitive fares, appealing to price-sensitive travelers and labor migrants.

Furthermore, the choice of Budapest as a stopover is strategic. If Qanot Sharq secures “Fifth Freedom” rights,which are currently a subject of regulatory negotiation,it could monetize the empty seats on the Budapest-New York sector, effectively competing in the transatlantic market while serving its primary base in Central Asia.

Sources

Sources: Airbus Press Release, Air Lease Corporation

This article summarizes reporting by AFRAA and official statements from Kenya Airways.

Kenya Airways Advances Plans for Secondary Hub in Accra Under ‘Project Kifaru’

Kenya Airways (KQ) is moving forward with strategic plans to establish a secondary operational hub at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra, Ghana. According to reporting by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and recent company statements, this initiative represents a critical pillar of “Project Kifaru,” the airlines‘s three-year recovery and growth roadmap.

The proposed expansion aims to deepen intra-African connectivity by positioning Accra as a pivotal node for West African operations. Rather than launching a wholly-owned subsidiary, a model that requires heavy capital expenditure, Kenya Airways intends to utilize a partnership-driven approach, leveraging existing relationships with regional carriers to feed long-haul networks.

While the Kenyan government formally requested permission for the hub in May 2025, Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka confirmed in December 2025 that the plan remains under active study. A final decision on the full execution of the project is expected in 2026.

Operational Strategy: The ‘Mini-Hub’ Model

The core of the Accra strategy involves basing aircraft directly in West Africa to serve high-demand regional routes. According to details emerging from the planning phase, Kenya Airways intends to deploy three Embraer E190-E1 aircraft to Kotoka International Airport. These aircraft will facilitate regional connections, feeding passengers into the carrier’s long-haul network and supporting the logistics needs of the region.

This operational shift marks a departure from the traditional “hub-and-spoke” model centered exclusively on Nairobi. By establishing a presence in Ghana, KQ aims to capture traffic in a market currently dominated by competitors such as Ethiopian Airlines (via its ASKY partner in Lomé) and Air Côte d’Ivoire.

Partnership with Africa World Airlines

A key component of this strategy is the airline’s collaboration with Ghana-based Africa World Airlines (AWA). Kenya Airways signed a codeshare agreement with AWA in May 2022. This partnership allows KQ to connect passengers from its Nairobi-Accra service to AWA’s domestic and regional network, covering destinations like Kumasi, Takoradi, Lagos, and Abuja.

Industry observers note that this “capital-light” model reduces the financial risks associated with starting a new airline from scratch. Instead of competing directly on every thin route, KQ can rely on AWA to provide feed traffic while focusing its own metal on key trunk routes.

Financial Context and ‘Project Kifaru’

The push for a West African hub comes as Kenya Airways navigates a complex financial recovery. The airline reported a significant milestone in the 2024 full financial year, posting an operating profit of Ksh 10.5 billion and a net profit of Ksh 5.4 billion, its first profit in 11 years. This resurgence provided the initial confidence to pursue the growth phase of Project Kifaru.

However, the first half of 2025 presented renewed challenges. The airline reported a Ksh 12.2 billion loss for the period, attributed largely to currency volatility and the grounding of its Boeing 787 fleet due to global spare parts shortages. These financial realities underscore the necessity of the proposed low-capital expansion model in Accra.

The strategy focuses on collaboration with existing African carriers rather than creating a new airline from scratch.

, Summary of Kenya Airways’ strategic approach

Regulatory Landscape and Competition

The viability of the Accra hub relies heavily on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and “Fifth Freedom” rights, which allow an airline to fly between two foreign countries. West Africa has been a leader in implementing these protocols, making Accra a legally feasible location for a secondary hub.

Furthermore, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat is headquartered in Accra. Kenya Airways is positioning itself to support the trade bloc by facilitating the movement of people and cargo between East and West Africa. The airline has already introduced Boeing 737-800 freighters to serve key destinations including Lagos, Dakar, Freetown, and Monrovia.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to delay a final “go/no-go” confirmation until 2026 suggests a prudent approach by Kenya Airways management. While the West African market is lucrative, it is also saturated with aggressive competitors like Air Peace and the well-entrenched ASKY/Ethiopian Airlines alliance. By opting for a partnership model with Africa World Airlines rather than a full subsidiary, KQ avoids the “cash burn” trap that led to the collapse of previous pan-African airline ventures. If successful, this could serve as a blueprint for other mid-sized African carriers looking to expand without overleveraging their balance sheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft will be based in Accra?
Current plans indicate that Kenya Airways intends to base three Embraer E190-E1 aircraft at Kotoka International Airport.

When will the hub become operational?
While planning is underway and government requests have been filed, a final decision on full execution is not expected until 2026.

How does this affect the Nairobi hub?
Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) remains the primary hub. The Accra facility is designed as a secondary node to improve regional connectivity and feed traffic back into the global network.

Sources

• AFRAA

AnguillAir Launches Historic Direct Service from U.S. Northeast to Anguilla

For the first time in history, travelers from the U.S. Northeast can fly nonstop to the Caribbean island of Anguilla, bypassing the traditional and often cumbersome connections through St. Maarten or Puerto Rico. AnguillAir, a new sub-brand operated by the boutique carrier BermudAir, officially launched its inaugural services this week.

According to reporting by Travel Weekly, the new carrier began operations on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, with a flight from Boston (BOS). This was followed by a Newark (EWR) launch on Thursday and a Baltimore/Washington (BWI) service commencing today, December 19. The flights are timed to coincide with the opening of the newly upgraded passenger terminal at Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airports (AXA).

The introduction of these routes represents a significant shift in regional Caribbean aviation, offering a “tarmac-to-tarmac” solution for high-end leisure travelers who previously relied on ferries or charter hops to reach the destination.

Operational Details and Schedule

AnguillAir operates as a seasonal service, scheduled to run through April 2026. While marketed under the AnguillAir brand, the flights are operated by BermudAir using its existing Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), flight crew, and fleet. Official scheduling data confirms the following operational timeline:

• Boston (BOS): Service runs through April 25, 2026.
• Newark (EWR): Service runs through April 12, 2026.
• Baltimore/Washington (BWI): Service runs through April 13, 2026.

The routes will be served twice weekly using BermudAir’s fleet of Embraer E175 and E190 regional jets. These aircraft are configured to support a premium leisure product, with the E175 offering 10 Business Class and 60 Economy Class seats, while the E190 features 8 Business Class and 88 Economy Class seats.

Addressing the “Access Issue”

Historically, access to Anguilla has been a logistical challenge for U.S. visitors. The standard journey involved a commercial-aircraft flight to St. Maarten (SXM), followed by a taxi to a ferry terminal, and finally a boat ride to Anguilla. Alternatively, travelers could connect via San Juan (SJU) onto smaller propeller aircraft.

In a statement regarding the launch, Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir, emphasized the strategic intent behind the new brand:

“This is much more than a new route, it’s a reflection of what BermudAir was built to do: deliver extraordinary service while broadening our destination offerings. We’re thrilled that we are now able to extend the service and care we offer from Bermuda now also to our sister British Overseas Territory neighbour Anguilla.”

Strategic Context and Infrastructure

The launch of AnguillAir is closely coordinated with infrastructure developments on the island. The government of Anguilla recently opened a new terminal at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport on December 15, 2025, specifically to handle increased capacity and direct jet service.

According to local officials, the government has provided support for the route, including a seat guarantee reported to cover up to 7,000 seats to mitigate the airline’s risk. Jose Vanterpool, Anguilla’s Minister of Infrastructure, highlighted the economic implications of the new service:

“The reopening of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport marks a pivotal moment for Anguilla’s economic future. Our agreement with BermudAir to launch nonstop service from the U.S. Northeast is a crucial first step.”

AirPro News Analysis: BermudAir’s Counter-Seasonal Pivot

The creation of AnguillAir represents a shrewd operational pivot for BermudAir. Launched in 2023 to serve the business and premium leisure market in Bermuda, the airlines faces significant seasonality issues, with demand for Bermuda dropping during the winter months. By deploying its aircraft to Anguilla, a warm-weather destination with peak demand from December to April, BermudAir can maximize fleet utilization without acquiring new assets.

We observe that this “pan-Caribbean” approach allows the carrier to act as a flexible capacity provider for British Overseas Territories, leveraging its existing regulatory standing and premium cabin configuration to serve niche, high-yield markets that major U.S. carriers may overlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AnguillAir a separate airline?
No. AnguillAir is a brand name. All flights are operated by BermudAir using BermudAir aircraft and crew.

What aircraft are used for these flights?
The routes utilize Embraer E175 and E190 regional jets.

Are these flights year-round?
No, the service is seasonal. Flights from Boston, Newark, and Baltimore operate from mid-December 2025 through April 2026.

Do I need to take a ferry if I fly AnguillAir?
No. These flights land directly at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) in Anguilla.

Sources: Travel Weekly, BermudAir.