Central Asia’s aviation landscape is set for a major transformation as three of its national carriers—Air Astana, Somon Air, and Uzbekistan Airways—have committed to purchasing up to 37 new Boeing airplanes. The deal, announced by the Trump administration, signals a new phase of modernization and expansion for the region.
The largest commitment comes from Kazakhstan’s Air Astana, which is set to acquire 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Tajikistan’s Somon Air is purchasing a mixed fleet of 14 planes, including four 787s and ten 737 MAX models. Uzbekistan Airways is also bolstering its long-haul fleet with eight additional 787s.
These new aircraft represent a monumental step for the airlines. For Air Astana, the 787s are game-changers, allowing the carrier to replace its three aging 767s and, for the first time, launch ambitious new routes to North America.
The agreements were not announced by the companies, but by the U.S. Commerce Department at a high-profile diplomatic event. The C5+1 Summit in Washington provided the stage for the announcement, which the administration framed as a major diplomatic and commercial victory.
This approach aligns with the Trump administration’s “America First” (implied) trade focus, linking foreign policy directly to U.S. manufacturing. This 37-plane deal is the latest in a string of similar announcements this year, as the industry awaits news on a potential 500-jet deal with China.
