Somon Air Lands First Boeing 737 MAX Jet in Tajikistan

Somon Air has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX jet, marking a major milestone in the airline's fleet modernization efforts. The 737-8, leased from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), is the first of two airplanes to be delivered and represents the first 737 MAX in Tajikistan.

The new aircraft will enable Somon Air to open new routes with improved economics, thanks to its fuel efficiency and longer range capability. The airline's CEO, Abdulkosim Valiev, noted that this fleet expansion gives Somon Air the opportunity to fly short- and medium-haul routes across Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

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. The airline plans to use the new aircraft to serve high-demand routes while positioning itself for future growth, including planned service to London, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

This delivery is part of a two-aircraft commitment between Somon Air and DAE Capital, which has over 190 Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft in its fleet. The Boeing 737-8 can carry up to 210 passengers depending on configuration, with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km).