The relationship between the U.S. and Central Asia was solidified with a major commercial agreement, as the Trump administration announced the sale of 37 Boeing airplanes to the region. The deals with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan were unveiled at the C5+1 Summit, a 10th-anniversary diplomatic meeting in Washington.
The Commerce Department presented the agreements as a significant victory, underscoring the administration’s transactional approach to diplomacy. The move links high-level diplomatic engagement directly with U.S. manufacturing.
The orders represent a major fleet modernization for the three nations. Kazakhstan’s Air Astana is acquiring 15 787-9 Dreamliners. Tajikistan’s Somon Air is set for a 14-plane mixed fleet of 787s and 737 MAXs. Uzbekistan Airways is also expanding its long-haul capabilities with eight more 787s.
This is a transformative purchase for the airlines. Air Astana’s 15 new 787s will allow it to replace its small, aging 767 fleet and pioneer new long-range routes. Boeing specifically mentioned that this purchase will enable the carrier to launch its first-ever services to North America.
This deal fits a clear pattern under President Trump, where U.S.-made Boeing jets are often a central part of diplomatic and trade discussions. It adds to a strong year for Boeing, as the industry also watches for a potential 500-jet mega-deal with China.