Historic Order Expansion for Uzbekistan Airways
Uzbekistan Airways has significantly expanded its commitment to the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, converting eight previously held options into firm orders. This move, announced on November 6, 2025, increases the airline's total firm order for the advanced widebody aircraft from 14 to 22 jets. The agreement was formalized during the C5+1 summit in Washington D.C., underscoring the strategic importance of the deal.
The initial firm contract for 14 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, along with options for an additional eight, was signed on September 22, 2025, during a visit by Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the United States. Deliveries for these new aircraft are scheduled to commence in 2031.
Strategic Growth and Modernization
This expansion represents the largest single deal in the history of Uzbekistan Airways, signaling a robust strategy for fleet modernization and international network growth. The airline intends to leverage the 787-9 Dreamliner's capabilities to enhance its long-haul capacity and solidify its position as a leading aviation hub in Central Asia.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offers several advantages, including greater passenger capacity, enhanced fuel efficiency, and an extended flight range compared to the existing 787-8 variant, which Uzbekistan Airways has operated since 2016. The airline currently operates seven Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.
Key Signatories and Economic Impact
The signing ceremony in Washington D.C. was attended by prominent figures, including Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of Uzbekistan Airways, and Paul Righi, Boeing Vice President for Sales and Marketing. Also present were Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, and Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
The agreement is valued at more than US $8 billion and is projected to support nearly 35,000 U.S. aerospace jobs, according to government estimates. This fleet expansion aligns with Uzbekistan's 'Uzbekistan-2030' national development plan, which aims to transform Tashkent into a major regional air transit hub.
5 Comments
Donatello
Fantastic news for Uzbekistan Airways! Modern fleet, global reach.
Raphael
The 787-9's fuel efficiency is a definite plus for operational costs and environmental impact per flight. Yet, significantly increasing the total number of flights will still lead to an overall rise in carbon footprint.
Leonardo
Eight billion dollars is an astronomical sum. Who's paying for this?
Michelangelo
More Dreamliners mean better passenger experience and a stronger airline. Bravo!
Bermudez
This deal certainly supports US aerospace jobs, which is positive for Boeing. But the article doesn't detail direct economic benefits for the average Uzbek citizen beyond the airline's growth, which is a missed opportunity for local perspective.