Uzbekistan Airways has placed the largest aircraft order in its history, signing a deal with Boeing for up to 22 787 Dreamliners as the airline looks to expand and modernize its widebody fleet.
The agreement, announced on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, includes a firm order for 14 Boeing 787-9 jets and options for eight more. Boeing says the purchase will help sustain nearly 35,000 jobs in the United States.
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined Boeing executives and Uzbekistan Airways leadership to mark the milestone. The airline was the first in Central Asia to operate the Dreamliner and currently uses its fleet of 787-8s to connect destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America — including a direct service to New York City.
“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,” said Uzbekistan Airways Chairman Shukhrat Khudaikulov. “This step reaffirms our ambitions and strategic commitment to sustainable growth.”
The addition of the larger 787-9 variant will allow the airline to expand its network to more long-haul markets in the United States and beyond as demand for international travel continues to recover.
Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen highlighted the nearly three-decade partnership between the planemaker and the airline. “With its fuel efficiency and operational flexibility, the 787 Dreamliner will help Uzbekistan Airways expand into new markets, connecting more travelers to their rich culture,” he said.
Boeing and the Uzbekistan Ministry of Transport also signed a separate Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation sector.
