Somon Air takes delivery of Tajikistan's first Boeing 737 MAX

Tajikistan's Somon Air has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737-8, leased from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, marking the first 737 MAX in the country.

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Somon Air has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX, a 737-8 leased from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), the carrier announced on 3 August 2026. The aircraft, registered VQ-BBA with manufacturer serial number 66771, is the first 737 MAX to enter service in Tajikistan.

The 737-8 is the first of two aircraft that DAE will lease to Somon Air. The twinjet can seat up to 210 passengers depending on configuration and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). Boeing says the 737 MAX family cuts fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared with the aircraft they replace.

The aircraft arrived in Dushanbe on a ferry flight from Boeing Field in Seattle between 25 and 27 July, with a stop in Reykjavik. Somon Air, which has operated an all-Boeing fleet since its launch in 2008, currently flies four Boeing 737-800s, two 737-900ERs and one 787-8 Dreamliner, according to Airway; other sources put the number of Next-Generation 737s at six. The airline serves 29 destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East from its hub at Dushanbe International Airport, and has announced plans to add London, Beijing and Guangzhou to its network.

In November 2025, Boeing and Somon Air signed a commitment for the carrier to purchase up to 14 aircraft: ten 737-8s and four 787-9 Dreamliners.

Somon Air chief executive Abdulkosim Valiev 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." DAE chief executive Firoz Tarapore said: "DAE is delighted to a part of this momentous occasion, delivering both Somon Air's first Boeing 737-8, and the first Boeing 737-8 in Tajikistan. This aircraft is part of a two aircraft commitment, and we are excited to further our relationship with Somon Air." Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Eurasia, India and South Asia, said: "We're honored by Somon Air's trust in Boeing, and the 737 family, as they evolved from a regional carrier into an emerging international presence over the past 20 years."

DAE Capital has more than 190 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in its fleet; the leasing company's overall portfolio numbers approximately 1,000 aircraft serving over 200 airline customers in more than 85 countries. Following the announcement, Boeing's share price rose 5.37% to $227.74. A regulatory filing shows that director Tilden Bradley D purchased 1,370 shares at $218.5.