Uzbekistan Airways on Monday announced the largest aircraft order in its 33-year history.
In a statement, the carrier said it has agreed to buy 14 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for eight more. The purchase is part of a broader effort to modernize Uzbekistan Airways’ widebody fleet, which consists mainly of Airbus jets.
The deal was announced on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“The Boeing 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be the cornerstone of our long-haul operations,” said Uzbekistan Airways Chairman Shukhrat Khudaikulov in a news release. “With this new contract, we are further strengthening both our airline’s and our nation’s position as a leading aviation hub in Central Asia, while providing our passengers with greater global connectivity. This step reaffirms our ambitions and strategic commitment to sustainable growth.”
Separately, Boeing and the Uzbekistan Ministry of Transport signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at expanding the country’s “aviation ecosystem.”
Uzbekistan Airways is the first operator of the Dreamliner in Central Asia and currently has seven 787-8s in service. These aircraft support the carrier’s nonstop routes from Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport in Uzbekistan to destinations in Europe and East Asia, as well as New York.
The airline said its new 787-9s will be used to expand service to the U.S. and other long-haul international destinations. It did not say which potential routes are under consideration.
