#Boeing #Somon Air #787 Dreamliner #Tajikistan #Dushanbe

Boeing and Somon Air's Landmark Aircraft Order

On November 6, 2025, in a significant development for the aviation industry, Boeing and Somon Air, the national airline of Tajikistan, announced a historic commitment to order up to 14 fuel-efficient airplanes. This order includes the advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the highly regarded 737 MAX jets, marking an unprecedented expansion for Somon Air. Under the agreement, Somon Air has committed to incorporating up to four 787-9 jets and up to 10 737-8 single-aisle aircraft into its fleet.

The Significance of this Order

This monumental decision comes as Somon Air embarks on its largest-ever aircraft order, aimed at modernizing its existing fleet and enhancing its service offerings. Currently operating a fleet of six Next-Generation 737 airplanes, Somon Air connects Tajikistan with 25 destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. With the addition of the 787 Dreamliner, the airline is poised to broaden its international route network significantly, introducing new intercontinental routes from Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.

Abdulkosim Valiev, the CEO of Somon Air, expressed enthusiasm about this strategic investment, stating, “We are pleased to announce our commitment to expand our fleet with Boeing's state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes. This significant investment not only marks our first widebody order but also reinforces our dedication to providing exceptional service and comfort to our passengers.”

This partnership between Somon Air and Boeing goes beyond mere aircraft procurement; it embodies a commitment to advanced aviation technology and superior passenger comfort. With a 20-25% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the existing planes, the new aircraft will facilitate lower operational costs and enhance sustainability, aligning with modern aviation standards.

A Step towards Modernization

The 737-8 jets will become the bedrock of Somon Air’s short and medium-haul network, ensuring reliability and streamlined operations in these sectors. Meanwhile, the introduction of the 787-9 Dreamliners is a strategic move that aligns with the airline’s growth objectives, allowing it to tap into unserved international markets and boost its operational capacity immensely.

What’s more, this order aligns with the broader context of U.S.–Tajikistan relations as it was finalized during the C5+1 Summit, celebrating the tenth anniversary of this diplomatic platform. The deal is expected to create over 11,000 jobs in the U.S., underscoring the economic impact of international aviation partnerships.

Paul Righi, Boeing's Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Eurasia and India, welcomed Somon Air’s continued preference for Boeing, saying, “Somon Air's continued choice of Boeing as its strategic partner underscores their preference for Boeing jets to grow their route network. The versatility of the 787-9 and 737-8, combined with their outstanding performance, range, and operating economics, provide Somon Air with the essential tools needed to scale its operations effectively.”

The Role of the 787 Dreamliner

Since its commercial debut in 2011, the 787 Dreamliner family has revolutionized air travel by opening over 520 new nonstop routes worldwide. With the capability to flawlessly carry more than 1 billion passengers, the Dreamliner signifies a leap in terms of long-haul travel efficiency and passenger experience.

Somon Air, founded in 2008, operates from Dushanbe International Airport and continues to expand its footprint in the competitive airlines sector, emphasizing safety, service quality, and cutting-edge innovations.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Boeing and Somon Air is a significant stride towards enhancing air travel operations in Tajikistan, promising to deliver superior service while also boosting economic ties. As the airline prepares to modernize its fleet and expand its network, the future looks bright for Somon Air and its commitment to serving passengers better.