Uzbekistan Airways Finalized Order for 22 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

Uzbekistan Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Uzbekistan Airways has finalized a major order with Boeing, converting eight previously held options into firm commitments for new widebody aircraft. The updated deal brings the flag carrier’s total order for Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to 22, including 14 firm orders and eight options.

Deliveries are set to begin in 2031, marking a key step in Uzbekistan Airways’ long-haul fleet modernization and international growth strategy. The signing ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., during the C5+1 Summit in Sep. 2025, with senior representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade in attendance. Valued at more than US $8 billion, the agreement is expected to support nearly 35,000 U.S. aerospace jobs, according to government estimates.

Uzbekistan Airways currently operates seven Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, which are 7.5 years old on average, having been the first Central Asian airline to introduce the model in 2016. The upcoming 787-9s will complement and expand the fleet, offering greater passenger capacity, enhanced fuel efficiency, and extended range capabilities for routes across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

“The Dreamliner has proven to be the cornerstone of our long-haul operations,” said Shukhrat Khudaikulov, Chairman of Uzbekistan Airways. “With the addition of the 787-9, we will further strengthen our connectivity and improve the travel experience for our passengers as we expand our international network, including our new direct service from Tashkent to New York.”

The fleet expansion aligns with Uzbekistan’s Uzbekistan-2030 national development plan, which prioritizes transforming Tashkent into a major regional air transit hub. The airline also operates nine Boeing 767-300s, which are gradually being phased out in favor of newer, more efficient models.

For Boeing, the deal highlights renewed momentum in its widebody sales pipeline and underscores the 787-9’s growing appeal among global carriers seeking to optimize long-haul operations. The 787 family continues to be a leading choice for airlines pursuing sustainability, operational flexibility, and passenger comfort in the premium widebody market.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com, uzairways.com, flightglobal.com