With a strategic vision to provide more service and new routes, Boeing and Azerbaijan Airlines announce that the national flag carrier has ordered eight 787-8 Dreamliners to support the growth of its long-haul fleet.

To support the growth of its long-haul fleet, the national flag carrier Azerbaijan Airlines announced the ordering of eight 787-8 Dreamliners. According to a press statement, the jets will enable the Central Asian carrier to profitably open up new routes from Azerbaijan and boost capacity for inbound tourism.

The statement says that at a signing ceremony held at the airline’s hub in Baku, executives from both organisations celebrated the order, including Jahangir Asgarov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines, and Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Boeing and the carrier committed to buying four 787s in July 2022; since then, the agreement had been finalised for eight aircraft.

“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 modernising the fleet and increasing the level of AZAL air transportation,” says Jahangir Asgarov.

It adds that built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced engines, the 787 Dreamliner can fly up to 20 pc more passengers while reducing fuel use and emissions by 25 pc compared to the aeroplanes it replaces. The 787-8’s range reaches up to 13,530 km in a typical two-class configuration, enabling Azerbaijan Airlines to grow its network across Europe, Asia and beyond.

“The 787 has helped position Azerbaijan Airlines as the leading carrier across Central

Asia, with the aeroplane’s flexibility and capability opening Azerbaijan up to increased tourism and economic growth. 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,” says Stan Deal.

It goes on to say that more than 1,600 787 Dreamliners have been ordered by more than 85 customers worldwide, making the 787 the twin-aisle aircraft with the fastest sales rate in history. Since the 787 family began flying in 2011, its fuel efficiency, adaptability, and range have allowed carriers to launch more than 350 brand-new nonstop routes, including Azerbaijan carriers’ most recent route connecting Baku and New Delhi.