Azerbaijan Airlines signs Order for Boeing 787s and 737s

Azerbaijan Airlines has signed an order for three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and two Next-Generation 737-900ERs (Extended Range).

Azerbaijan Airlines, based in Baku, Azerbaijan, becomes the first airline throughout the republics of the former Soviet Union to order the 787 and the 737-900ER. The order is valued at US$609 million at list prices.

"This order is a momentous step in our history," said Jahangir Askerov, director general of Azerbaijan Airlines. "With the twin-aisle 787, we will enter the long-haul market for the first time. By expanding our fleet with long-haul twin-aisle airplanes, we will offer our customers many more choices for far-away destinations. We are eager to enter this new chapter in our proud history."

The carrier will operate the 787 on routes to the East, Southeast Asia and North America. The 737-900ERs will be placed on routes to Europe, Russia and other regional destinations.

Azerbaijan Airlines selected the General Electric GEnx engine to power its 787s.

The first flight of the 787 is scheduled for 2007, with entry into service in 2008.

See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, Boeing, Dreamliner, 787