The airline has doubled its requirements.
Azerbaijan Airlines today proudly shared that it has ordered eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. This move follows the flag carrier of Azerbaijan’s initial commitment to purchase four 787s last summer.
Scaling up
The Grand Prix isn’t the only hot news coming out of Baku this weekend. While the Formula One world prepares for an event-filled race this Sunday, Azerbaijan Airlines and Boeing announced a deal just before the checkered flag!
Azerbaijan Airlines already holds two 787-8s in its fleet. These were both delivered in December 2014. Registration VP-BBR is nicknamed Shusha, and VP-BBS goes by the monicker of Ordubad. The pair can expect eight additional units to join them.
The Baku Heydar Aliyev International carrier’s leadership met with Boeing’s management to announce the exciting order. Flying to 40 destinations in 25 countries, these Dreamliners will be put to good use across the operator’s network.
Strong relationship
Jahangir Asgarov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines, shared the following about the order in a company statement:
“The successful development of the country’s civil aviation has become possible thanks to the continuous support and attention of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. The signing of a contract with Boeing for the purchase of modern wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliners is an important step in modernizing the fleet and increasing the level of AZAL air transportation.”
Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added:
“The 787 has helped position Azerbaijan Airlines as the leading carrier across Central Asia, with the airplane’s flexibility and capability opening Azerbaijan up to increased tourism and economic growth. For more than 20 years we have enjoyed a tremendous partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines and this order for Dreamliners is a testament to the strength of our product family and the relationship between our companies.”
Across the fleet
The carrier and airline did provide a delivery schedule update in this week’s statement. Still, the initial four agreed to in last summer’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were set to be delivered between 2025 and 2030. We can imagine all eight to arrive in the same timeframe.
The new announcement follows the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) clearance to resume 787 deliveries last month. Despite deliveries resuming last August, they were halted in February after an issue was found regarding the aircraft’s fuselage components. Notably, an error with the plane’s forward pressure bulkhead was encountered while reviewing the certification records.
According to Planespotters.net, 17 787s have been delivered to airlines since March. Concerning 787-8s, American Airlines took on one unit and ZIPAIR Tokyo received two.
Azerbaijan Airlines’ 787s have been busy heading to the like of Istanbul, London, Dubai, and Jeddah over the last week. They are supported by 777, 787, and Airbus A340 aircraft in the widebody sector. The carrier also holds 757, A319, and A320 jets.
Azerbaijan Airlines is showing its determination to modernize its fleet. After all, it confirmed an order for six Airbus A320neos and six A321neos earlier this month.
It’s approaching a decade since the airline first took on the Dreamliner. The type has evidently impressed with this commitment for eight additional units nine years later.
Source: Simple Flying
