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Somon Air, the largest airline in Tajikistan, has finalized an agreement to acquire two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from DAE Capital. These new jets are expected to be added to the airline's fleet in 2026. The decision comes after years of consideration, as the Dushanbe-based carrier had been contemplating replacing its aging fleet of 737 NG aircraft since 2019.
The grounding of the MAX series in 2020 and the global pandemic led Somon Air to explore alternatives such as Embraer and Airbus before ultimately deciding on the MAX. In January 2025, Somon Air confirmed to ch-aviation that they would proceed with the purchase. CEO Abdulkosim Valiev stated: "The signing of this agreement is part of our long-term strategy to modernise the [Somon Air] fleet and improve the quality of service...The new B737-8s allow us to expand our route network, increase operational efficiency and offer our passengers modern conditions for comfortable flights as well as increase the frequency of flights."
In addition to expanding its fleet, Somon Air is planning new routes. During a press conference on January 29th, Habibullo Nazarzoda from Tajikistan's Civil Aviation Agency announced that permission had been granted for Somon Air to initiate flights to London once they receive their new aircraft in 2026. However, details about which London airport will be served remain unclear due to pending slot allocations.
