Boeing and Uzbekistan Airways have announced the airline’s largest-ever aircraft purchase, confirming an order for up to 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The deal includes 14 firm orders for the 787-9 variant, with options for an additional eight aircraft. This investment will significantly modernise Uzbekistan Airways’ wide-body fleet, while Boeing estimates the order will support approximately 35,000 jobs across the United States.
The agreement was formalised in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in attendance alongside senior representatives from Boeing and the airline. As part of the event, Boeing also signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Uzbekistan Ministry of Transport. This partnership will explore ways to further strengthen and expand the country’s aviation infrastructure and ecosystem, signalling Uzbekistan’s ambitions to establish itself as a leading hub in Central Asia.
Uzbekistan Airways’ Chairman, Shukhrat Khudaikulov, described the 787 Dreamliner family as the cornerstone of the carrier’s long-haul operations. He emphasised that the acquisition reinforces both the airline’s and the nation’s role in global aviation, enhancing connectivity and underpinning long-term sustainable growth. The new aircraft will provide passengers with greater travel opportunities and contribute to the airline’s competitive positioning in the international market.
The airline was the first in Central Asia to operate the 787, having introduced the 787-8 to connect Europe, Asia and the United States, including a direct service to New York City. With the larger and longer-range 787-9, Uzbekistan Airways will be able to extend its network to new destinations in North America and other long-haul markets. The timing of the expansion is strategic, coming as global air travel demand continues to recover and increase, particularly for international routes.
