Azerbaijan Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for four additional 787-8s. The Azerbaijan flag-carrier currently operates two 787-8s, with this announcement the airline intends to grow its Dreamliner fleet to 10 by 2030, enabling it to open new routes across Central Asia.
"Azerbaijan Airlines was the first airline in the Caspian and Central Asia region to operate the 787-8 Dreamliner and we currently have two 787-8s in-service. This MoU is the evidence of joint efforts to scale up the mutually beneficial partnership between Azerbaijan Airlines and Boeing," said Jahangir Asgarov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines. "Over the years, our 787 airplanes have provided impeccable performance, and the addition of more long-haul airplanes will further expand the geography of Azerbaijan Airlines' route network."
"Today's agreement extends our long-term partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines as they renew their fleet to capitalize on the growing long-term travel demand that we are seeing globally," said Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The global in-service 787 fleet has been the most-utilized widebody during the market downturn and we are confident in the proven performance capabilities of this airplane."
One of the largest carriers in the Caspian region and Central Asia, Baku-based Azerbaijan Airlines currently operates two 787-8 Dreamliners as well as a fleet of 757, 767 and 777 airplanes.