Somon Air Takes Delivery of First Boeing 737 MAX

Somon Air has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX, expanding its fleet with the newer-generation narrowbody. The aircraft, a 737-8, was handed over to the airline on August 3 by DAE Capital, which is leasing two jets to Somon Air.

The introduction of the 737-8 marks an evolution of Somon Air's existing fleet, rather than a switch to a new manufacturer. The carrier previously operated Boeing 737-800 and 737-900 aircraft on routes linking Tajikistan with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Somon Air has not yet confirmed the first scheduled passenger service or seating configuration for the 737-8, but has tied the delivery to plans for additional capacity and network expansion. The airline carried 1,091,921 passengers on 3,744 flights in 2025, an 8.6% increase from the previous year.

The delivery is part of Somon Air's longer-term Boeing fleet plan, which includes up to ten 737-8s and four 787-9s. However, the lease agreement for the two DAE aircraft should not be counted as direct orders from Boeing.