Uzbekistan Airways Expands Its Widebody Fleet: An order for 14+8 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners has been signed.

Tashkent, September 22, 2025 — Uzbekistan Airways, the national carrier of the Republic of Uzbekistan, has signed a firm contract with Boeing for the purchase of 14 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with an additional 8 aircraft as options. This landmark agreement is part of the airline’s long-term fleet modernization program and its strategy to enhance long-haul capacity. Deliveries will commence in 2031.

The expansion of the widebody fleet will enable Uzbekistan Airways to boost capacity on key routes, strengthen schedule reliability, and flexibly grow its network by connecting Central Asia with North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. The project aligns with the national development program Uzbekistan–2030 and supports the airline’s strategic goal of positioning Tashkent as a leading international transit hub, fostering tourism, investment, and global partnerships.

Uzbekistan Airways has successfully operated Boeing 787 aircraft for nearly a decade. The airline received its first 787-8 Dreamliner in 2016, ushering in a new era of long-haul operations with a focus on efficiency and passenger comfort. Today, the Dreamliner remains the backbone of the carrier’s intercontinental network and a vital bridge linking Uzbekistan to world markets. The new order for the 787-9 builds on this legacy, offering even greater range and seating capacity.

“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. This step reaffirms our ambitions and strategic commitment to sustainable growth,” said Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of the Board of 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," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "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.”

Why the 787-9 Dreamliner?

The Boeing 787-9 combines advanced aerodynamics, a composite airframe, and next-generation engines to deliver significant fuel savings and lower CO₂ emissions. Dreamliner is recognized as a benchmark for passenger comfort: reduced cabin altitude, optimized air temperature and humidity, oversized dimmable windows, a quieter cabin, and adaptive LED lighting all help ease the effects of long-haul travel. Passengers also enjoy state-of-the-art inflight entertainment and a range of connectivity options.

With more seating capacity while maintaining similar operating efficiency, the Boeing 787-9 enables airlines to balance demand on long-haul routes, open new destinations, and increase frequencies where needed. For Tashkent’s hub-and-spoke transit model, this is a critical competitive advantage.

A Growth Trajectory

This new Dreamliner order will support Uzbekistan Airways’ plans to expand its long-haul network and strengthen performance on already popular routes. The airline will continue to build convenient connections through Tashkent, offering more transfer options and optimizing capacity during peak travel seasons.

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About Uzbekistan Airways

Uzbekistan Airways is the national airline of the Republic of Uzbekistan and one of Central Asia’s aviation leaders. The carrier operates scheduled services to more than 95 international and domestic destinations, connecting Uzbekistan with key centers in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Uzbekistan Airways is the only airline in Central Asia operating long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliners and performing nonstop transcontinental flights.

About Boeing

Boeing is a leading global aerospace company and the largest U.S. exporter, developing, manufacturing, and servicing commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. With its global team and extensive supplier network, Boeing drives innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. The company is committed to a corporate culture founded on core values — safety, quality, and integrity.