New Airline Buys Airbus Jets For The First Time

Shohin Airlines has placed its first-ever order for Airbus aircraft, signing for four of the A320neo family jets at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The Tajikistan start-up is continuing its transition from helicopter operations to scheduled passenger services, and the A320neo family commitment marks a step closer to making this a reality.

Shohin Airlines’ First Airbus Order

The agreement placed on Day 2 of the Farnborough Airshow covers two A320neos and two high-capacity A321neos, giving Shohin Airlines the mix it desires for the different route profiles it’ll be targeting when it launches these passenger flights.

The order had been listed as an undisclosed customer in Airbus’ backlog, but it can now be formally attributed to this business. It’s also a contract that has been a long time in the making, with the Tajik company having expressed its desire to launch scheduled passenger services some time ago.

Founded in 2025, Shohin Airlines was previously focused on specialised helicopter operations; as a result, this is its first fixed-wing jet fleet purchase since its own creation. These A320neo family jets will form the initial backbone of its planned network.

Once delivered, the aircraft will provide a fuel-efficient and low-noise platform that allows the business to serve regional routes across Central Asia and offer longer services to hubs, whether in the Middle East or Europe, with a simple approach.

The signing of our first contract with Airbus marks a milestone not only for Shohin Airlines, but also for the entire civil aviation sector of Tajikistan. The A320neo Family aircraft will form the backbone of our airline’s modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable fleet. We are committed to providing our passengers with the highest standards of safety, comfort, and service quality while expanding Tajikistan’s international air connectivity. We are confident that our partnership with Airbus will provide a solid foundation for Shohin Airlines’ long-term growth and the successful implementation of our strategy to build a world-class airline.

Zafar Ahmadzoda, Chief Executive Officer of Shohin Airlines.

Shohin plans to configure the A320neo in a dual-class layout that will accommodate 176 passengers. Meanwhile, the larger A321neo will be configured to seat 196 passengers with a commitment to offer Business and Economy class on this jet.

A Step Closer To Launch For The Airline

Shohin Airlines says the latest Airbus deal is a major step in developing its fleet and finally launching scheduled passenger service. Earlier in the year, the company agreed to an MoU in Toulouse, where the structure of the agreement was put forward.

Now, the firming up of the contract for the A320neo family packages makes the push from the Tajik carrier a reality and now something within its sights. Local reporting has said the acquisition is backed by a roughly $200 million investment from a European fund.

That investment gives the airline the capital base to move beyond just its helicopter work and into scheduled passenger services. Shohin hasn’t established its network just yet, taking it one step at a time, but it does have a rough idea of the neighboring Central Asia states that it can offer connectivity to from Dushanbe.

Airbus securing this contract is important; it extends the A320neo family’s reach into another emerging market and the chance to collaborate with an ambitious new passenger airline, something not frequently seen in the 21st century.

We look forward to supporting Shohin Airlines’ vision to connect Tajikistan to the world. This agreement marks the beginning of a strong partnership, ensuring the airline sets a new regional standard for fleet optimisation, operational excellence, and passenger experience right from its start.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business