Boeing and Somon Air have announced the successful delivery of the airline’s very-first 737 MAX aircraft.
The Tajik national carrier is currently forging ahead with plans to both modernise its fleet and grow its network.
Representing the first instance of the use of a 737 MAX in Takjikistan; the 737-8 is the first of two planes scheduled for delivery from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), who will be leasing the airplanes.
Abdulkosim Valiev, CEO of Somon Air, said: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.
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.
Considered central to Somon Air’s fleet renewal strategy, the 737-8 will be used to fly short- and medium-haul routes across Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The aircraft is expected to provide the flexibility to serve high-demand routes whilst positioning the airline for potential future growth, including planned service to London, Beijing and Guangzhou.
The 737-8 is capable of carrying up to 210 passengers depending on the configuration, and touts a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480km). The 737 MAX is expected to support Somon Air’s fleet modernisation by reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes they replace.
