Uzbekistan Airways has placed its largest aircraft order to date with a plan to acquire up to 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The flag carrier confirmed it will purchase 14 787-9 jets, with options for eight more, as part of its strategy to modernize its long-haul fleet and expand international services.
The announcement was made in New York during the United Nations General Assembly, where President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined leaders from Boeing and Uzbekistan Airways to commemorate the signing. Boeing also concluded a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Uzbekistan Ministry of Transport to explore opportunities to expand the country’s aviation ecosystem.
Record Deal for Central Asia’s First 787 Operator
Uzbekistan Airways, the first airline in Central Asia to operate the 787, currently uses its 787-8 fleet to connect destinations in Europe, Asia and the United States, including direct service to New York City. The addition of the larger 787-9 variant will increase capacity and range, supporting plans to expand flights to new long-haul destinations as global travel demand rises.
“The Boeing 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be the cornerstone of our long-haul operations,” said Shukhrat Khudaikulov, Chairman of Uzbekistan Airways. “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.”
The order is also expected to support nearly 35,000 jobs in the United States through Boeing’s supply chain and manufacturing network, according to the company.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, said the order reflects the company’s long-standing relationship with Uzbekistan Airways. “We value our nearly 30-year partnership with Uzbekistan Airways and will continue to support their growth strategy as they further connect the region and world,” he said. “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.”
The 787 Dreamliner family is designed for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to aircraft it replaces. The 787-9 combines advanced aerodynamics, composite structures and innovative systems to enable airlines to serve long-haul routes more sustainably.
Uzbekistan Airways said the aircraft will be key to increasing capacity while lowering operating costs, allowing it to strengthen its role as a transit hub in Central Asia. The carrier also views the expanded Dreamliner fleet as essential for improving connectivity to the United States, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets.
The Memorandum of Cooperation signed between Boeing and the Uzbekistan Ministry of Transport will cover areas beyond fleet renewal. The agreement aims to advance aviation services, infrastructure and training in Uzbekistan, supporting the country’s wider aviation sector development alongside the record fleet order.
Boeing, a leading U.S. aerospace manufacturer, develops and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for more than 150 countries. The company emphasized that the Uzbekistan Airways deal underscores its position as a key partner for airlines seeking efficient widebody aircraft to meet rising demand for international travel.
The first deliveries of the 787-9 aircraft to Uzbekistan Airways are scheduled in the coming years, positioning the airline for further network expansion. The order highlights the growing importance of Central Asia as a transit and aviation hub connecting East and West.
