Somon Air, the national carrier of Tajikistan, has signed a commitment with Boeing for up to 14 new aircraft, representing the largest potential order in its history. The agreement includes up to four widebody 787-9 Dreamliners and up to ten 737-8 MAX narrowbody jets.
“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.”
This strategic move will enable a major expansion of the airline’s network. The 787-9s will allow Somon Air to launch new long-haul, intercontinental routes from its hub at Dushanbe International Airport, entering the widebody market for the first time. Meanwhile, the fuel-efficient 737-8s will modernize its existing all-737 fleet, forming the backbone for its short and medium-haul operations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Boeing highlighted the operational benefits of the new aircraft. “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,” said Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Sales and Marketing for Eurasia and India. The manufacturer states the new jets will offer a 20-25% improvement in fuel efficiency and lower per-seat costs compared to the older-generation airplanes they will replace.
The commitment was announced during the C5+1 Summit, marking a decade of the diplomatic forum. Once finalized, the order will be posted to Boeing’s official Orders & Deliveries website and is noted to support over 11,000 jobs across the United States.
Founded in 2008, Somon Air currently operates a fleet of six Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft to 25 destinations. This new commitment represents a pivotal step in its growth, allowing it to offer superior passenger comfort on long-distance flights while modernizing its core fleet with the latest, most efficient technology.
