Uzbekistan Airways Expands Boeing 787 Fleet to 22 Jets

Uzbekistan Airways Doubles Down on Dreamliners with New Boeing Order

In a significant move that underscores a long-term strategic vision, Uzbekistan Airways has finalized a firm order for eight additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Announced on November 6, 2025, this agreement solidifies the national carrier’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and expanding its global reach. The deal is more than just an aircraft acquisition; it represents a critical component of Uzbekistan’s ambitious national development program, “Uzbekistan–2030,” which aims to transform the capital, Tashkent, into a premier international transit hub for Central Asia.

For nearly three decades, the partnership between Boeing and Uzbekistan Airways has been instrumental in the airline’s growth. The 787 Dreamliner, in particular, has become the backbone of its long-haul operations since the first aircraft was delivered in 2016. This latest order, a conversion of previous options into a firm commitment, brings the airline’s total 787 fleet count to 22. This expansion is not happening in a vacuum; it is a calculated step to capitalize on the nation’s burgeoning tourism sector and enhance its connectivity with key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

The finalization of this order was marked by a signing ceremony at the C5+1 Summit in Washington, D.C., an event that highlights the strategic importance of the partnership. The signing was witnessed by high-level officials, including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov. This context elevates the agreement from a simple commercial transaction to a symbol of strengthening economic ties and a shared vision for regional development.

A Strategic Leap Forward: Analyzing the Fleet Expansion

The Details of the Deal

The core of the announcement is a firm order for eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This specific model is renowned for its balance of range, capacity, and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for an airline looking to sustainably grow its international network. This order builds upon a preliminary announcement from September 2025, which outlined a plan for 14 firm jets and eight options. By converting these options, Uzbekistan Airways is sending a clear signal of confidence in its growth trajectory and the reliability of the Dreamliner platform.

This move is a significant capital investment aimed at increasing capacity on crucial routes and improving overall schedule reliability. A modern, uniform long-haul fleet reduces operational complexity, streamlines maintenance, and enhances the passenger experience, all critical factors for an airline aspiring to be a leading regional hub. The expansion is comprehensive, as it complements the airline’s plans to grow its narrow-body fleet with the addition of two new Airbus A321neo aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2026.

The commitment to 22 Dreamliners positions Uzbekistan Airways as a major operator of the type in Central Asia. This scale allows for greater network flexibility, enabling the airline to launch new routes and increase frequencies on existing ones. As the global aviation market continues to recover and evolve, having a technologically advanced and efficient fleet provides a distinct competitive advantage, allowing the airline to adapt to changing passenger demands and fuel costs.

“The Boeing 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be the cornerstone of our long-haul operations. 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.” – Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airways

The “Uzbekistan–2030” Vision and the Role of Aviation

This fleet expansion is intrinsically linked to Uzbekistan’s national strategy. The “Uzbekistan – 2030” initiative is a government-led effort to boost the economy by focusing on key sectors, with tourism being a primary pillar. The results have been impressive, with foreign tourist arrivals growing from 2.7 million in 2017 to 6.6 million in 2023. The momentum has continued, with the first nine months of 2025 seeing over 8.6 million foreign tourists, a staggering 112.5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

To sustain this growth, robust and reliable international air connectivity is non-negotiable. The government is actively developing a comprehensive tourism development strategy that extends to 2040, focusing on infrastructure improvements and creating new travel experiences. The acquisition of new, long-range aircraft like the 787-9 is a foundational element of this plan, enabling direct flights from distant markets and making Uzbekistan a more accessible and attractive destination for travelers worldwide.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is particularly well-suited for this mission. With a typical two-class configuration seating 296 passengers and a range of approximately 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), it can connect Tashkent non-stop with major cities across continents. Its advanced design, featuring 50% composite materials, makes it lighter and more fuel-efficient, consuming up to 25% less fuel than the aircraft it replaces. This efficiency not not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with a global push for more sustainable aviation.

Concluding Section

The firm order for eight more Boeing 787 Dreamliners is a landmark event for Uzbekistan Airways and a powerful indicator of the nation’s forward-looking ambitions. It is a strategic investment that goes beyond fleet numbers, directly supporting the “Uzbekistan–2030” vision by enhancing global connectivity and fueling a rapidly growing tourism industry. By choosing a technologically advanced and efficient aircraft, the airline is positioning itself for sustainable growth and solidifying its role as a key aviation player in Central Asia.

Looking ahead, this fleet expansion will likely have a ripple effect across the Uzbek economy, facilitating increased trade, investment, and cultural exchange. As these new aircraft enter service, we can expect to see an expanded route network, greater flight frequencies, and an enhanced travel experience for passengers. This move demonstrates a clear commitment to long-term development, ensuring that Uzbekistan Airways is well-equipped to connect Uzbekistan to the world for decades to come.

FAQ

Question: How many Boeing 787 Dreamliners does Uzbekistan Airways now have on order?
Answer: This latest order brings Uzbekistan Airways’ total commitment for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to 22 aircraft.

Question: What is the “Uzbekistan–2030” strategy?
Answer: It is a national development program aimed at boosting Uzbekistan’s economy, with a key focus on increasing tourism and establishing the capital, Tashkent, as a major international transit hub in Central Asia.

Question: What are the main benefits of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner?
Answer: The aircraft is known for its fuel efficiency (using up to 25% less fuel), long range (7,565 nautical miles), and enhanced passenger comfort features, such as larger dimmable windows, higher cabin humidity, and quieter engines.

Sources: Boeing Mediaroom