Azerbaijan Airlines today finalised an order for eight Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to expand and optimise its long-haul fleet. It currently operates two such airplanes.
The order was made official at a signing ceremony in Baku attended by Jahangir Asgarov, President of Azerbaijan’s flag carrier, and Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
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Azerbaijan Airlines commits to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
In July 2022, both companies had announced a purchase commitment for four 787-8. However, this has since been extended to eight units. The airline intends to increase its fleet of the type to ten aircraft by 2030. New additions would allow it to launch new routes in Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
«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 Azerbaijan Airlines air transportation», said Jahangir Asgarov.
«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. «For more than twenty 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», he added.
A mixed fleet
Currently, the airline’s medium and long-range fleet consists of one Boeing 757-200, three 767-300ER, two 787-8 and two Airbus A340-500 (the last in the world in commercial service). The new Boeing 787-8s will allow it to gradually replace its older equipment.
In addition, it operates a government fleet consisting of one Airbus ACJ 319, one ACJ 320, one A340-600, one Boeing 767-300ER and one 777-200LR. Its low-cost carrier, Buta Airways, owns eight Embraer 190. Finally, its cargo division, Azal Avia Cargo, has two Antonov 12, one Antonov 26B and two Ilyushin 76TD.
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