Uzbekistan Airways places record order for up to 22 Boeing Dreamliners

Shukhrat Khudaikulov, Chair of Uzbekistan Airways, stated: "With this new contract, we are further strengthening both our airline's and our nation's position as a leading aviation hub in Central Asia, while providing our passengers with greater global connectivity. This step reaffirms our ambitions and strategic commitment to sustainable growth."

Uzbekistan Airways already operates seven Boeing 787-8s with two seating configurations: one accommodating 270 passengers (24 business class flatbeds and 246 economy seats) and another seating 246 passengers (24 business class flatbeds and 222 economy seats). Both layouts feature six-abreast lie-flat business class seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration.

The airline became the first operator of the Dreamliner family in Central Asia when it introduced the smaller 787-8 model. With the new order for larger 787-9 aircraft—which offer greater range and capacity—Uzbekistan Airways plans to enhance Tashkent’s role as an Asian transit hub. Routes under consideration include destinations in the United States.

According to data from ch-aviation cited by Simple Flying, deliveries of the new aircraft are expected to begin in 2031. Cirium scheduling data shows that currently Seoul is served daily from Tashkent using existing Dreamliners; Istanbul follows with frequent rotations, while New York ranks third among long-haul destinations served by Uzbekistan Airways’ current fleet.

Boeing reports that demand for international travel continues to rise globally, prompting airlines such as Uzbekistan Airways to invest in newer models like the 787-9 Dreamliner for expanded long-haul operations.