US President Donald Trump has helped US planemaker Boeing to secure aircraft order agreements from three Central Asian airlines at the C5+1 Summit in Washington DC.
The summit, held by the Trump administration on November 6, 2025, was attended by leaders from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Following discussions, Boeing announced that Air Astana, Somon Air and Uzbekistan Airways had all formalized deals for commercial aircraft.
Kazakhstan flag carrier Air Astana agree to purchase up to 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, marking its largest-ever order commitment.
Somon Air, Tajikistan’s national carrier, also committed to place its largest-ever order, by selecting up to 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets and up to four 787-9s.
President Donald J. Trump hosts a dinner with leaders of C5 Central Asian countries at the White House. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/GLgeY91SXI
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 7, 2025
The Uzbekistan Airways deal saw the airline convert options from a previous agreement into a firm order for eight 787 Dreamliners, increasing its total order book for Boeing widebody jets to 22.
Commenting on the meeting with Central Asian leaders, President Trump said: “I’ve just completed a series of outstanding bilateral meetings with these leaders in the Oval Office… we’re strengthening our economic partnerships, improving our security cooperation, and expanding our overall bonds.”
What are the details of the agreements?
Air Astana
According to Boeing, once Air Astana’s order is finalized and posted to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website it will support more than 20,000 jobs across the US.
As well as the new order for 15 Dreamliners, Air Astana is waiting for three more 787-9s to be delivered via lessors.
“Air Astana is strategically committed to boosting its service capabilities from Central Asia / Caucasus to Asia, Europe and the rest of the world over the next decade, with the arrival of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner next year marking the start of this exciting phase of development,” said Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana.
He added: “With its customer friendly cabin, fuel efficiency and range flexibility, the fleet of up to 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft is destined to become an outstanding success with the airline and its discerning passengers.”
Air Astana currently operates three Boeing 767 widebody jets across a network that connects Kazakhstan with destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
“Boeing airplanes have been integral to Air Astana’s operations from the beginning and we’re proud the 787 Dreamliner will support Central Asia’s growing importance in aviation,” said Paul Righi, Vice President of Boeing Commercial Sales for Eurasia and India. “Air Astana’s decision to expand its fleet with the 787-9 aligns with its vision to boost operational capabilities and efficiency while elevating its service offerings.”
Somon Air
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Somon Air currently operates six Next-Generation 737 airplanes from Tajikistan to 25 destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The agreement with Boeing represents the first time that Somon Air has placed an order for widebody aircraft. The purchase of 737-8s is part of efforts to modernize its current all-737 fleet.
“We are pleased to announce our commitment to expand our fleet with Boeing’s state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes,” said Abdulkosim Valiev, CEO of Somon Air. “This significant investment not only marks our first widebody order but also reinforces our dedication to providing exceptional service and comfort to our passengers. With flexibility built into this commitment, Somon Air can adjust its fleet further based on market demand.”
Somon Air plans to launch new intercontinental routes from Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe with the 787-9 aircraft.
“Somon Air’s continued choice of Boeing as its strategic partner underscores their preference for Boeing jets to grow their route network,” said Paul Righi, Boeing Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Eurasia and India. “The versatility of the 787-9 and 737-8, combined with their outstanding performance, range, and operating economics, provide Somon Air with the essential tools needed to scale its operations effectively.”
Uzbekistan Airways
On September 22, 2025, Uzbekistan Airways announced a firm order for 14 787-9s, with options for eight more aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2031.
Uzbekistan Airways is the only airline in Central Asia that flies long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliners and has been using this aircraft successfully for almost a decade.
The signing ceremony to extend the initial September order was witnessed by US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov.
