Azerbaijan Airlines orders five Boeing 787s in $1.1 billion deal

The Central Asian airliner boosts its fleet of Dreamliners to seven

Azerbaijan airlines bought two more Dreamliners boosting its fleet of 787s to seven. Andia/ Getty Images

Azerbaijan Airlines ordered five Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners with a commitment to purchase two large freighters, in a deal valued at US$1.1 billion according to list prices before discount.

"Ordering additional 787 Dreamliner airplanes will greatly expand our airline's capabilities, allowing us to serve new destinations and carry more passengers," said AZAL President Jahangir Askerov. "We are delighted to expand our partnership with The Boeing Company, which has been a reliable partner in supplying modern airplanes, and helping us operate and maintain the jets."

The new order boosts the Central Asian carrier's fleet of 787s to seven. Azerbaijan Airlines flies to 40 destinations in 25 countries. The airline which carried over two million passengers last year currently flies two 787 airplanes and a fleet of Boeing 757 and 767s.

"The 787 Dreamliner will play a key role in Azerbaijan's fleet modernization plan, help them open new routes, and contribute to their long-term success," said Kevin McAllister, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Azerbaijan Airlines also announced it will be the launch customer for the 787 Landing Gear Exchange Program whereby Boeing Global Services will provide the carrier with a lower-cost solution for overhauled and certified landing gears for its Dreamliner fleet, which now grows to seven airplanes.

The composite Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the fastest-selling twin-aisle airplane in history. More than 65 customers have ordered more than 1,275 Dreamliners to date.