FLEET - Somon Air Receives Its First Boeing 737 MAX Jet

Tajikistan's national carrier to modernize its fleet and expand its network with the 737-8

- 737 MAX to complement the Central Asian airline's planned 787 Dreamliner fleet

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, Aug. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Somon Air today announced the delivery of the airline's first 737 MAX, as the Tajik national carrier continues to modernize its fleet and grow its network. The 737-8 is the first of two airplanes leased from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) to be delivered and represents the first 737 MAX in Tajikistan.

Somon Air Receives Its First Boeing 737 MAX Jet

"Considering the central geographic location of Tajikistan and the improved range capability of Boeing 737-8, this fleet expansion gives Somon Air opportunity to open new routes with improved economics considering the new aircrafts' fuel efficiency," said Abdulkosim Valiev, CEO of Somon Air. "Somon Air greatly values its unique long-term relationship with the Boeing company and looks forward to continuous growth of its fleet by adding more efficient and modern Boeing aircraft."

The 737-8 is central to Somon Air's fleet renewal strategy and will be used to fly short- and medium-haul routes across Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. With longer range and stronger operating economics than previous-generation airplanes, the 737-8 gives Somon Air the flexibility to serve high-demand routes while positioning the airline for future growth, including planned service to London, Beijing and Guangzhou.

Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE, added, "DAE is delighted to a part of this momentous occasion, delivering both Somon Air's first Boeing 737-8, and the first Boeing 737-8 in Tajikistan. This aircraft is part of a two aircraft commitment, and we are excited to further our relationship with Somon Air. We wish the management team success in deploying these aircraft across their network. DAE Capital has over 190 Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft in its fleet, and the family form a key pillar of our commitment to operating the newest, most fuel-efficient aircraft."

As the most versatile variant of the 737 MAX family, the 737-8 can carry up to 210 passengers depending on configuration, with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). The 737 MAX will support Somon Air's fleet modernization by reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes they replace.

"We're honored by Somon Air's trust in Boeing, and the 737 family, as they evolved from a regional carrier into an emerging international presence over the past 20 years," said Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Eurasia, India and South Asia. "The 737-8 is the right airplane for the airline's modernization, and we look forward to supporting Somon Air's continued growth for many years to come."

Last year, Boeing and Somon Air announced(opens in a new tab) the airline's commitment to purchase up to 14 fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes.

 

FLEET - Somon Air takes first B737-8s

Somon Air (SZ, Dushanbe) has taken delivery of its first B737-8, VQ-BBA (msn 66771), on lease from DAE Capital. The aircraft was ferried from Seattle Boeing Field via Reykjavik Keflavik to Dushanbe on July 25-27, 2026, and has yet to enter revenue operations. The leases were financed by Somon Air's sister company, Oriyonbank. The airline expects to take another B737-8 on lease from DAE Capital shortly. In 2025, Somon Air announced a framework commitment for ten B737-8s and four B787-9s, with a general plan to take two or three aircraft per year.

CH Aviation / Somon Air

FLEET - Somon Air (Tajikistan) plans to receive its two B737-8 in July or August 2026, which both are on lease from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (UAE

 

ORDER - Boeing and Somon Air Announce Commitment for Up to 14 Airplanes

787 Dreamliner purchase will open new intercontinental routes from Tajikistan

Airline looks to 737 MAX jets to grow, modernize all-737 fleet

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Somon Air today announced Tajikistan's national air carrier has committed to place its largest-ever order, selecting up to 14 fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes.

Somon Air currently operates six Next-Generation 737 airplanes from Tajikistan to 25 destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. With today's agreement, the airline will place its first-ever widebody order for up to four 787-9 jets to enable international network expansion and up to 10 737-8 single-aisle jets, to modernize its all-737 fleet.

Somon Air committed to place its largest-ever order, selecting up to 14 fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes.

"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 will launch new intercontinental routes from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with the 787-9, offering superior comfort to its passengers. The 737‑8 will form the foundation of the carrier's short and medium‑haul network. Together, these airplanes deliver a 20–25 % fuel-use improvement compared to the airplanes they replace, enabling lower per-seat and maintenance costs.

The agreement was signed during the C5+1 Summit as the U.S. marks the 10th anniversary of the diplomatic platform. When finalized and posted to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website, the order will support more than 11,000 jobs across the U.S.

"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."

The 787 Dreamliner family has opened more than 520 new nonstop routes never previously served and carried more than 1 billion passengers worldwide since its commercial introduction in 2011.

Somon Air is the national airline of the Republic of Tajikistan, established in 2008. Based at Dushanbe International Airport, the airline operates regular passenger and charter flights to destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Its fleet consists entirely of modern Boeing 737 aircraft. Somon Air is committed to maintaining the highest standards of flight safety, service quality, and innovations.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

ROUTES - Somon Air (Tajikistan) resumed flights on the Dushanbe – Bishkek route from 14 March 2025, with B737-800 and B737-900 aircraft.

 

FLEET - Somon Air signs for B737MAX

Somon Air from Tajikistan has announced it has signed a lease-agreement with DAE Capital for two Boeing B737-8s. The duo is expected to be delivered in 2026. They will be used to expand capacity and frequencies but also add new, longer, routes.

The airline was established in 2005 and is currently conducting its flights with four B737-800s and two B737-900ERs. It flies from Dushanbe to destinations in China, Germany, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan. Somon Air also operates a single VIP-configured B787-8 for the government.

Photo by Somon Air.

 

ROUTES - Somon Air (Tajikistan) reportedly plans to broaden its geographical reach by 2026 with new routes

Somon Air (Tajikistan) reportedly plans to broaden its geographical reach by 2026 with new routes: from Khujand to Jeddah, Dubai, Urumqi and Istanbul in 2024; from Dushanbe to Antalya, Riyadh and Sharm El-Sheikh in 2024; to Seoul, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Guangzhou, Tbilisi, Mashhad, Paris and Bangkok in 2025; and to New York, London, Beijing, Madrid, Vienna, Tel Aviv, Kyiv, Milan, Toronto and Warsaw in 2026.

CH aviation

 

Somon Air on 29 April introduced a weekly (Fridays) service between Dushanbe (DYU) in Tajikistan and Kabul (KBL) in Afghanistan

The 443-kilometre sector will be operated by the airline’s 737-800s and will face competition from Kam Air’s weekly service. According to ch-aviation the airline has a fleet of six 737s; two -300s, two -800s and two -900s. According to OAG Schedules Analyser the carrier currently operates 22 routes, of which 16 are from Dushanbe. Half of these 16 routes are to destinations in Russia but it also serves major global hubs in Dubai, Frankfurt and Istanbul.

Aenna

SAMON AIR - B737-900ER - P4-SOM

Ton Jochems  - IST

Boeing Delivers Somon Air’s First 737-900ER

EVERETT, Wash. September 28, 2011 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first Next-Generation 737-900ER with the new Boeing Sky Interior to Tajikistan-based Somon Air, making it the first Central Asian carrier to operate an airplane featuring Boeing’s innovative interior. The delivery is also Somon Air’s first direct purchase of a 737.

As part of Boeing’s Humanitarian Delivery Flights program, Boeing partnered with Somon Air, the U.S. Department of State’s Humanitarian Program and Project HOPE to transport medical supplies to the country’s capital Dushanbe
BOEING