Boeing’s run of landing major widebody deals continues as the US airframer has secured a pact with Uzbekistan Airways to deliver up to 22 787-9 jets.
The Tashkent-headquartered carrier’s order includes firm commitments for 14 Dreamliners and options for another eight.
Signed in the presence of president Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 22 September, the deal is Uzbekistan Airways’ largest-ever fleet commitment.
The companies do not specify when they expect 787-9 deliveries to begin.
Uzbekistan Airways became the first Central Asian carrier to operate Boeing’s flagship widebody jet in 2016. It currently operates seven 787-8s, as well as nine older 767-300s, according to data provided by aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Company chairman Shukhrat Khudaikulov says the Dreamliner has “proven to be the cornerstone of our long-haul operations”, which connect passengers to markets in Asia, Europe and the USA, including a new flight from Tashkent to New York City.
”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,” Khudaikulov says.
Boeing says the 787-9’s increased capacity and extended range will help Uzbekistan Airways expand its international network into new markets.
The US airframer has been on a hot streak of landing new deals for its current and future widebody jets in recent months.
In May, Boeing landed a massive order from Qatar Airways for up to 210 Boeing 787 and 777X widebody jets. Hot on the heels of that deal, Etihad Airways said it would purchase 28 777X and 787s. Both of those deals centred on US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East.
Just days prior, British Airways and Iberia parent IAG revealed orders for 71 widebody jets from Airbus and Boeing, including 32 787-10s, the largest variant in the family.
Then, in August, Cathay Pacific Group ordered 14 more 777-9s, exercising purchase rights for the additional aircraft and bringing its total commitment to 35 of the widebodies.
Most recently, Canadian carrier WestJet ordered earlier this month 67 new aircraft from Boeing – 60 737 Max 10s and seven 787-9s.
While 777X sales have been strong, Boeing recently disclosed that it still faces a “mountain” of uncompleted 777-9 certification work and is “falling behind” on securing Federal Aviation Administration approval for its next-generation widebody jet.
The aircraft is now positioned to enter service in 2026, according to Boeing.
