Dreamliner opens up Uzbekistan as Europe-Asia bridge

Uzbekistan could soon become a new transit option for passengers travelling between Europe and Asia.

The country’s national carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, took delivery of its first ever Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft this week, ushering in a new era of modern air travel for the Central Asian country.

Having launched in 1996, Uzbekistan Airways now flies to London, Paris, Frankfurt and Rome in the west, and Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul in the east. It also connects to New York’s JFK Airport.

And some of these routes will now be operated by one of the world’s most modern aircraft – the B787-8. Uzbekistan Airways took delivery of the first of two Dreamliners this week, allowing it to fly to destinations like London and Paris 20-30 minutes faster than before, reducing noise and emissions, and increasing passenger comfort.

The aircraft will be able to carry 246 passengers, all of whom will be offered personal in-flight entertainment.

“The delivery of our first Dreamliner marks a new and exciting chapter,” said Valeriy Tyan, director general of Uzbekistan Airways. “We are delighted that as early as in September, passengers of Uzbekistan Airways will be offered a new flight experience and an unmatched level of comfort onboard our Boeing 787 Dreamliner.”

Uzbekistan Airways’ fleet currently consists of 34 aircraft, including nine B767 and six B757 aircraft. It now becomes the first Central Asian airline to operate the B787, and the arrival of these aircraft could mark the start of a new route option for passengers flying between Asia and Europe – or perhaps just wanting to fly to Uzbekistan itself.

“[Our] company will be able to perform flights on this aircraft… from airports of Uzbekistan to any airports of USA and Canada, Far East, Asia, Africa and Australia,” Uzbekistan Airways said in a statement.