A signing ceremony at the airline's Baku hub marked the occasion, attended by key figures from both companies, including Jahangir Asgarov, President of Azerbaijan Airlines, and Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. In July 2022, Boeing and the carrier announced a commitment to purchase four 787s; since then, the order has been finalized for eight aircraft and unidentified on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website.
Asgarov attributed the successful growth of Azerbaijan's civil aviation to the unwavering support of President Ilham Aliyev, noting that the contract with Boeing for the modern wide-body 787 Dreamliners represents a significant step in modernizing the fleet and raising the standard of AZAL air transportation.
Over 85 customers globally have placed orders for more than 1,600 787 Dreamliners, making it the fastest-selling twin-aisle airplane in history. Since its 2011 debut, the 787 family's fuel efficiency, adaptability, and range have allowed airlines to establish over 350 new nonstop routes, including Azerbaijan Airlines' recent Baku-New Delhi connection.
Deal stated that the 787 has positioned Azerbaijan Airlines as the premier carrier in Central Asia, with the aircraft's flexibility and capability promoting increased tourism and economic growth in Azerbaijan. He emphasized the strong partnership between the two companies, which has spanned over 20 years, and how this Dreamliner order underlines the strength of their product family.
Constructed with lightweight composite materials and powered by cutting-edge engines, the 787 Dreamliner can transport up to 20% more passengers while reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces. The 787-8's range extends up to 13,530 km in a typical two-class configuration, enabling Azerbaijan Airlines to expand its network across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
As one of Central Asia's largest carriers, Azerbaijan Airlines operates 40 routes across 25 countries, utilizing a fleet that includes Boeing 757, 767, and 787 jets.
