The Trump administration is highlighting its focus on fostering American business abroad with the announcement of a 37-plane deal between Boeing and three Central Asian nations. The Commerce Department unveiled the agreements with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan as a key victory stemming from the administration’s diplomatic efforts.
The sales were strategically announced during the C5+1 Summit in Washington, a 10th-anniversary meeting of U.S. and Central Asian leaders. This timing was chosen to underscore the administration’s transactional approach to diplomacy, where U.S. manufacturing and trade are central to foreign policy.
The specifics of the deal show a major commitment from the region. Air Astana (Kazakhstan) plans to acquire 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Somon Air (Tajikistan) is set for 14 aircraft, a mix of 787s and 737 MAXs. Uzbekistan Airways will expand its long-haul fleet with eight more 787s.
This is a monumental step for the carriers, allowing for significant fleet modernization. Air Astana, which currently has a small wide-body fleet of three 767s, will be ableto use its new 787s to launch its first-ever services to North America.
This deal is part of a well-established pattern under President Trump, where Boeing planes feature prominently in trade deals. It adds to hundreds of orders Boeing has won this year, as the industry also watches for a potential 500-jet sale to China.