US Commerce Dept. Announces “Diplomatic and Commercial Victory” in Asia

The U.S. Commerce Department has announced a significant “diplomatic and commercial victory” with the sale of 37 Boeing airplanes to three Central Asian nations. The agreements with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan were presented by the Trump administration as a direct result of its focus on fostering American business interests abroad.
The sales were strategically unveiled at the C5+1 Summit in Washington, a high-profile meeting between U.S. and Central Asian leaders. This 10th-anniversary event was used as a platform to showcase the administration’s transactional approach to diplomacy, where U.S. manufacturing and trade are closely linked to foreign policy.
The deal highlights a major investment from the region. Air Astana (Kazakhstan) is set to make the largest purchase, with 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Somon Air (Tajikistan) will acquire a mixed fleet of 14 aircraft (four 787s and ten 737 MAXs). Uzbekistan Airways is also committing to eight additional 787s.
For the airlines, these acquisitions are a monumental step in modernizing their fleets. Air Astana, for instance, will use its new 787s to replace its small 767 fleet and explore new long-range destinations, including, for the first time, services to North America.
This 37-plane order fits a well-established pattern under President Trump, where new U.S.-made Boeing planes are a frequent feature of trade deals. It adds to a strong year for Boeing, as the industry also watches ongoing talks for a potential 500-jet sale to China.