WASHINGTON- Boeing has received major widebody orders from three Central Asian carriers—Air Astana (KC), Somon Air (SZ), and Uzbekistan Airways (HY)—for its fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The deals, signed during the C5+1 Summit in Washington, D.C., underscore growing demand for long-haul capability in the region.
These orders collectively mark a significant expansion of Boeing’s footprint in Central Asia, reinforcing the 787’s role as a preferred aircraft for airlines modernizing fleets and expanding global routes.
Air Astana Order 15 Boeing 787
Air Astana (KC), Kazakhstan’s flag carrier based in Almaty (ALA), plans to purchase up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to strengthen its long-haul operations. Once finalized, this will be Air Astana’s largest-ever aircraft order. With three additional 787-9s arriving via lessors, the airline’s fleet could reach 18 Dreamliners, supporting expansion into North America and beyond.
CEO Peter Foster stated that the introduction of the first 787-9 in 2026 will mark a major milestone in the airline’s strategy to connect Central Asia with Asia, Europe, and other regions. The aircraft, known for its passenger comfort and fuel efficiency, will replace aging Boeing 767s currently operating across key long-haul routes.
The deal also supports more than 20,000 U.S. jobs across Boeing’s supply network. Boeing executives noted that Air Astana’s decision aligns with its vision to enhance operational efficiency and elevate the passenger experience across international routes.
Somon Air’s First Widebody Order
Tajikistan’s national airline, Somon Air (SZ), based in Dushanbe (DYU), signed its largest fleet commitment yet—ordering up to 14 Boeing jets, including four 787-9 Dreamliners and ten 737-8 MAX aircraft. This marks the airline’s first-ever widebody purchase.
CEO Abdulkosim Valiev described the agreement as a pivotal investment in service quality and flexibility. The 787-9 will open new intercontinental routes from Dushanbe, while the 737-8s will serve short and medium-haul destinations more efficiently. The new aircraft promises a 20–25 percent reduction in fuel use and maintenance costs compared to the older 737 models.
When finalized, the order will support over 11,000 U.S. jobs. Boeing’s regional vice president, Paul Righi, said Somon Air’s continued partnership demonstrates strong confidence in Boeing’s product performance and operational economics.
Uzbekistan Airways Expands 787 Fleet
Uzbekistan Airways (HY), headquartered in Tashkent (TAS), has converted options into a firm order for eight additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This brings its total order book for the type to 22 aircraft, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the 787 family.
The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., during the C5+1 Summit, attended by senior U.S. and Uzbek government officials. The new Dreamliners will support Uzbekistan Airways’ international expansion plans and fleet modernization strategy.
Since its introduction in 2011, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has flown over one billion passengers and enabled more than 520 new nonstop routes worldwide. Its combination of range, fuel efficiency, and comfort continues to make it a leading choice for airlines expanding their long-haul networks.
Strengthening U.S.–Central Asia Aviation Ties
All three agreements were formalized during the C5+1 Summit, marking ten years of diplomatic cooperation between the U.S. and Central Asian nations. For Boeing, these orders highlight the company’s role as a key partner in advancing the region’s aviation infrastructure and connectivity.
Boeing’s production and supply chain support thousands of American jobs while providing Central Asian airlines with aircraft that meet global standards for sustainability, safety, and efficiency.
About C5+1 Summit
The C5+1 diplomatic platform represents the United States’ collaborative approach to engaging all five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Established in 2015 at the inaugural ministerial in Samarkand, the platform promotes mutual respect for sovereignty and strengthens cooperation across economic, energy, and security sectors.
Its mission is to advance joint regional solutions to global challenges, fostering shared prosperity and stability. The C5+1 framework supports working groups dedicated to three core pillars: economy, energy, and security.
- Economy: Focused on increasing trade, investment, and professional exchanges through initiatives such as the B5+1 Forum.
- Energy: Aims to bolster regional energy security, expand mineral development, and enhance U.S.-Central Asia connectivity.
- Security: Concentrates on counterterrorism, border security, and cybersecurity collaboration.
A C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue promotes cooperation on exploration, mining, and supply chains of essential resources. In 2022, a permanent C5+1 Secretariat was established to strengthen institutional ties and deepen engagement between the U.S. and Central Asian partners.
The 2025 Summit marked the platform’s 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of progress in regional diplomacy, sustainable development, and economic cooperation.
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