Somon Air Buys The 737 MAX and 787

Two orders in one hour, a busy day for American planemaker Boeing, which received boosts to its backlog of aircraft.

The order, from Somon Air, Tajikistan’s national carrier, was for 14 brand-new planes, including the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner.

Somon Air already flies the 737NG; however, its commitment to the next-generation 737 MAX will substantially elevate its operations and bring greater efficiency to single-aisle operations.

The 737 Max portion of the deal sees the airline commit to 10 of the middle-ground 737-8; however, it’s a landmark purchase for the 787 Dreamliner, which steals the show.

Somon Air will fly four Boeing 787 Dreamliners under a deal that marks its first-ever widebody contract, substantially elevating its long-haul operations and creating new opportunities across its network.

We are pleased to announce our commitment to expand our fleet with Boeing’s state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes. This significant investment not only marks our first widebody order but also reinforces our dedication to providing exceptional service and comfort to our passengers. With flexibility built into this commitment, Somon Air can adjust its fleet further based on market demand.

Abdulkosim Valiev, CEO of Somon Air

With these new aircraft, Somon Air confirms it plans to launch intercontinental routes from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, marking a new era for the airline and utilising widebody aircraft in a comfortable environment.

Meanwhile, the 737-8 is expected to become a foundation for the airlines’ short- to medium-haul network, with the pair of aircraft delivering 20 to 25% improvements in fuel use and lower maintenance costs, enabling lower per-seat costs overall.

An All-Boeing Fleet

For Somon Air, the newly agreed purchase with Boeing will substantially elevate the company in almost every sense, with just six aircraft flying in the business —all 737NGs, if you take out a lone 787-8.

That long 787-8 Dreamliner configured as a VIP operates for the Republic of Tajikistan and is more of a private aircraft than a plane kitted out with seats for paying passengers; it is registered as EY-001.

The airline’s fleet includes only six 737NGs, all -800 and -900 models, with an average age of 13.9 years. This means there are no next-generation planes in its fleet.

Additionally, 14 aircraft being ordered from Boeing represents more than double the number currently in operation, presenting the business with new, exciting opportunities that would not have been within reach with its current fleet makeup.