Somon Air and Uzbekistan Airways Join Air Astana in Boeing Splurge

While Air Astana’s 15-plane Dreamliner order has captured headlines, Tajikistan’s Somon Air and Uzbekistan Airways are also part of a major regional investment in Boeing aircraft. The Trump administration announced on Thursday that the three carriers plan to buy up to 37 new jets. The deals, confirmed by the Commerce Department, were a key feature of the C5+1 Summit in Washington.
The orders are substantial across the board. While Kazakhstan’s Air Astana plans for 15 787-9s, Tajikistan’s Somon Air is committing to 14 aircraft—a mixed fleet of four 787 Dreamliners and ten 737 MAX planes. Uzbekistan Airways is also expanding its long-haul capabilities, committing to eight additional 787 planes.
This collective move represents a significant modernization and growth strategy for the entire region. The new aircraft will replace aging planes, like Air Astana’s three 767s, and open new markets. For Air Astana, this specifically means the long-anticipated launch of routes to North America, a move made possible by the 787’s extended range.
The C5+1 Summit, celebrating its 10th anniversary, provided the diplomatic backdrop for this commercial news. The Trump administration has consistently used such gatherings to promote U.S. exports. Announcing the 37-plane deal at the summit allowed the administration to showcase a tangible success from its engagement with the five Central Asian republics.
This event is part of a broader pattern where orders for new U.S.-made Boeing planes have become central to trade discussions under President Trump. Boeing has seen hundreds of orders announced this year, often linked to diplomatic visits or trade agreements. While the Central Asian deal is a notable success, the ultimate prize for Boeing remains a potential 500-jet order from China.