Azerbaijan Airlines has expanded their commitment to purchase four Boeing 787 Dreamliners originally announced in July 2022. The carrier has now finalized an order for eight Boeing 787-8s.
On Friday (April 28, 2023), Boeing announced that Azerbaijan Airlines has finalized an order for eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. The firm order expands and finalizes the carrier’s commitment to purchase four 787s originally announced in July 2022. The signing ceremony was held at Azerbaijan Airlines’ hub in Baku and the agreement was signed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ President and CEO Stan Deal and Azerbaijan Airlines’ President, Jahangir Asgarov. The efficient state-of-the art long-haul aircraft will enable the Central Asian carrier to profitably open up new routes from Azerbaijan, while boosting capacity for inbound tourism. Azerbaijan Airlines is one of the largest carriers in Central Asia, serving 40 destinations across 25 countries. The airline’s fleet includes Boeing 757s, 767s, and 787s.
In Friday’s announcement, Azerbaijan Airlines’ President, Jahangir Asgarov, said,
“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.”
Also commenting on the 787 order, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ President and CEO, Stan Deal, added,
“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. 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.”
Since entering service in 2011, over 85 customers worldwide have ordered more than 1,600 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, making the airplane the fastest selling twin-aisle jet in history. The 787 Family’s fuel efficiency, flexibility and range have enabled airlines to open more than 350 new nonstop routes, such as Azerbaijan Airlines’ recently launched route between Baku and New Delhi. Built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced engines, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner can carry 20 percent more passengers while reducing fuel consumption and emissions by 25 percent compared to the legacy airplanes it replaces. The 787-8 offers a range of up to 7,306 nautical miles (13,530 km) in a typical two-class configuration.
Source: Boeing