Qanot Sharq, an airline that remains relatively unfamiliar to many, is preparing to introduce a new long-haul route from Tashkent to New York, commencing on May 3, 2026. This service will run twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays, utilizing an Airbus A330-200 configured with 266 seats, which includes 18 seats in business class. The approximate flight times are 13 hours and 20 minutes westbound and 12 hours and 30 minutes eastbound.
Founded in 2021, Qanot Sharq is headquartered in Tashkent and boasts an all-Airbus fleet. The airline focuses mainly on leisure routes and offers competitive fares compared to Uzbekistan Airways, which also services the Tashkent-New York route. Although it is a smaller airline, Qanot Sharq operates a varied fleet that includes A320s, A321neos, A321XLRs, and A330-200s.
The airline’s entry into the American market is viewed as a strategic effort to capitalize on the increasing interest in travel to Central Asia. Nonetheless, Qanot Sharq must compete on price and enhance its passenger experience to draw in travelers, as it does not possess the extensive network and amenities that competitor Uzbekistan Airways offers.
The A330s of Qanot Sharq, obtained from Air China, are designed with a 2-2-2 business class layout featuring flatbeds, though they do not include Wi-Fi and alcohol service. This new route signifies the airline’s longest journey to date, broadening its reach beyond its existing Asian destinations.
In summary, Qanot Sharq’s new route to New York offers a thrilling opportunity for those looking to discover Uzbekistan and Central Asia, presenting a viable alternative to current market carriers.