A new 37-plane deal between Boeing and three Central Asian nations is set to open up new frontiers in global travel, including the first-ever direct flights between the region and North America. Kazakhstan’s Air Astana, a key buyer in the deal, plans to use its new 787-9 Dreamliners to launch these historic routes.
Air Astana’s order for 15 Dreamliners is the largest part of the agreement, which was announced by the Trump administration in Washington. The deal also includes Tajikistan’s Somon Air, which is acquiring 14 planes (787s and 737 MAXs), and Uzbekistan Airways, which is committing to eight additional 787s.
This is a massive technological and strategic leap for the carriers. Air Astana, for example, currently operates only three older-model Boeing 767s for its wide-body routes. The 787-9s are not just replacements but strategic assets that will enable a significant expansion of its global network.
The Commerce Department unveiled the agreements at the C5+1 Summit, a high-profile meeting of U.S. and Central Asian leaders. This timing was intentionally chosen to highlight the administration’s transactional approach to diplomacy, directly linking foreign policy initiatives to major wins for U.S. manufacturing.
This deal fits a well-established pattern for the administration, where Boeing sales are often a centerpiece of international trade negotiations. It adds to a strong year for Boeing, as the company also navigates complex talks for a potential 500-jet blockbuster deal with China.