Boeing and Tajikistani carrier Somon Air announced on Thursday, 6th November, the latter’s commitment to place its largest-ever order, selecting up to 14 fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes.
The agreement was signed during the C5+1 Summit as the U.S. marks the tenth anniversary of the diplomatic platform.
When finalised and posted to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website, the order will support more than 11,000 jobs across the US.
Somon Air currently operates six Next-Generation 737 airplanes from Tajikistan to 25 destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Through this latest agreement, the airline will place its first-ever widebody order for up to four 787-9 jets to enable international network expansion and up to 10 737-8 single-aisle jets, to modernise its all-737 fleet.
Somon Air chief executive Abdulkosim Vallev said: "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. With flexibility built into this commitment, Somon Air can adjust its fleet further based on market demand."
Expanding horizons
Somon Air will launch new intercontinental routes from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with the 787-9, offering superior comfort to its passengers.
The 737‑8 will form the foundation of the carrier's short and medium‑haul network.
Together, these airplanes deliver a 20 to 25 percent fuel-use improvement compared to the airplanes they replace, enabling lower per-seat and maintenance costs.
According to Boeing’s vice-president of sales and marketing for Eurasia and India Paul Righi: "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 787 Dreamliner family has opened more than 520 new nonstop routes never previously served and carried more than 1 billion passengers worldwide since its commercial introduction in 2011.
