Uzbekistan Airways places order for up to 22 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
September 23, 2025
Uzbekistan Airways has placed an order for up to 22 new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from the US planemaker. The new Dreamliner order will support Uzbekistan Airways’ plans to expand its long-haul network and boost capacity on its already popular long-haul routes.
With the additional aircraft, the airline says it will continue to build convenient connections through its hub at Tashkent International Airport (TAS), “offering more transfer options and optimising capacity during peak travel seasons.”
Uzbekistan Airways to add to its Dreamliner fleet
Announced on 22 September, Uzbekistan Airways revealed the single largest order for new aircraft in the airline’s history. Having been a Boeing operator for over 30 years, the airline has committed its long-haul future to the US planemaker with an order for up to 22 787 Dreamliners.
The deal signed with Boeing calls for 14 787-9 aircraft, with options for eight more of the widebody twinjets. Boeing stated that the order will help support nearly 35,000 US jobs within the company and its supplier network. Deliveries of the new jets are scheduled to begin in 2031.
The deal, announced on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, was attended by the Republic of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, along with other leaders from Boeing and Uzbekistan Airways.
Alongside the announcement concerning the new aircraft, Boeing and the Uzbekistan Ministry of Transport also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to explore opportunities to further expand the country’s aviation ecosystem.
Network expansion plans
The first 787 operator in Central Asia, Uzbekistan Airways uses its current fleet of seven 787-8 Dreamliners to connect Tashkent with cities in Europe, Asia, and the US, including a direct flight to New York-JFK five times per week.
With increased capacity and extended range, the 787-9s will enable Uzbekistan Airways to expand international routes to the US as well as other destinations in Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.
“The Boeing 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be the cornerstone of our long-haul operations,” said Uzbekistan Airways Chairman Shukhrat Khudaikulov.
“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.”
“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 travellers to their rich culture.”
Central Asia’s only 787 operator
Uzbekistan Airways is the only airline in Central Asia that flies long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliners and has been successfully using this aircraft for almost a decade. The airline received its first 787-8 Dreamliner in 2016.
Currently, the carrier operates scheduled flights to more than 95 international and domestic destinations, connecting airports in Uzbekistan with key destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. According to ch-aviation, the airline currently operates 113 routes to 28 countries.
As per Planespotters.net, alongside its seven existing Boeing 787-8s, the carrier also uses 21 Airbus A320s, five A321s, and seven Boeing 767-300s in its current fleet. Additionally, the airline previously operated six Boeing 757-200s before their retirement, with the last departing the fleet in April 2023.
