Boeing has announced it has secured commitments from two Central-Asia-based carriers – Tajikistan-based Somon Air and Kazakhstan-based Air Astana – for a total of up to 29 new aircraft.
Boeing has announced it has secured commitments from two Central-Asia-based carriers – Tajikistan-based Somon Air and Kazakhstan-based Air Astana – for a total of up to 29 new aircraft.
Air Astana orders up to 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft
In a statement, Boeing announced Kazakhstan's flag carrier Air Astana will purchase up to 15 787-9 Dreamliners to help grow and modernize its fleet.
According to Boeing, the new aircraft order will be Air Astana's largest with the US-based aircraft manufacturer. With three more 787-9s to be delivered via lessors, Air Astana's 787 fleet will grow to 18 787-9s.
"Air Astana is strategically committed to boosting its service capabilities from Central Asia / Caucasus to Asia, Europe and the rest of the world over the next decade, with the arrival of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner next year marking the start of this exciting phase of development," said Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana. "With its customer friendly cabin, fuel efficiency and range flexibility, the fleet of up to 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft is destined to become an outstanding success with the airline and its discerning passengers."
"Boeing airplanes have been integral to Air Astana's operations from the beginning and we're proud the 787 Dreamliner will support Central Asia's growing importance in aviation," said Paul Righi, vice president of Boeing Commercial Sales for Eurasia and India. "Air Astana's decision to expand its fleet with the 787-9 aligns with its vision to boost operational capabilities and efficiency while elevating its service offerings."
Air Astana currently operates 3 Boeing 767 aircraft to destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East from Kazakhstan.
Somon Air orders Boeing 787s and 737 MAX
Separately, Somon Air – the national airline of Tajikistan – will order up 14 widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliner and narrowbody 737 MAX jets (4 787-9s and 10 737-8).
Currently operating 6 next-generation 737 jets from Tajikistan to 25 destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Somon Air plans to launch new intercontinental routes from Dushanbe with the 787-9s. Meanwhile, the 737-8s will form the foundation of the airline's short and medium-haul network.
"We are pleased to announce our commitment to expand our fleet with Boeing's state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes," said Abdulkosim Valiev, CEO of Somon Air. "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."
"Somon Air's continued choice of Boeing as its strategic partner underscores their preference for Boeing jets to grow their route network," said Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Sales and Marketing for Eurasia and India. "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."
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