National flag carrier Azerbaijan Airlines has confirmed an order for eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft to support the growth of its long-haul fleet.
The next generation wide-body aircraft will enable the Central Asian carrier to profitably open up new routes from Azerbaijan as well as boosting capacity for inbound tourism.
Officials from both companies, including Jahangir Asgarov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines, and Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, have celebrated the order at a signing ceremony at the airline’s hub in Baku.
Azerbaijan Airlines originally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for four additional 787-8s at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2022. The carrier presently operates two Dreamliners and intends to grow its fleet to 10 aircraft by 2030.
Since the inking of the initial MoU, the order was finalized for eight aircraft and has appeared as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.
“The successful development of the country’s civil aviation has become possible thanks to the continuous support and attention of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.
The signing of a contract with Boeing for the purchase of modern wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliners is an important step in modernizing the fleet and increasing the level of AZAL air transportation,” said Jahangir Asgarov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines.
Boeing 787 order history
News of the confirmed order for the Azerbaijan carrier comes in the same week that the aircraft manufacturing giant Boeing announced its first quarter performance; revealing its plans to ramp up output on its 787 program later this year.
The 787 program is currently producing aircraft at three per month with plans in hand to ramp up production to five per month in late 2023 and then to 10 aircraft per month in the 2025/2026 timeframe.
More than 85 customers around the world have now placed orders for more than 1,600 787 Dreamliners. This achievement makes the 787 the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in history.
Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family’s fuel efficiency, flexibility and range have enabled airlines to open more than 350 new nonstop routes, such as Azerbaijan Airlines’ recent connection between Baku and New Delhi.
Boeing comments
“The 787 has helped position Azerbaijan Airlines as the leading carrier across Central Asia, with the airplane’s flexibility and capability opening Azerbaijan up to increased tourism and economic growth,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“For more than 20 years we have enjoyed a tremendous partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines and this order for Dreamliners is a testament to the strength of our product family and the relationship between our companies.”
Built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced engines, the 787 Dreamliner can fly up to 20% more passengers while reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.
The 787-8 Dreamliner has a range reaching up to 13,530 km in a typical two-class configuration, enabling Azerbaijan Airlines to grow its network across Europe, Asia and beyond.
Azerbaijan Airlines is one of the largest carriers in Central Asia, serving 40 destinations across 25 countries, with a fleet that includes Boeing 757, 767 and 787 jets.
