Azerbaijan Airlines Looking At More Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Azerbaijan Airlines is looking at replacing its older aircraft with additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The airline’s leadership met with Boeing’s management this week to discuss the prospects of taking on new units of the popular jet.

With better economics over previous generation aircraft, including up to 20% greater fuel efficiency, it’s not a surprise that the airline is planning an overhaul with the 787 Dreamliner. Photo: Azerbaijan Airlines

Already a member of the fleet

Azerbaijan Airlines president Jahangir Asgarov had a meeting with Boeing VP sales & marketing for Russia & the CIS Monte Frazie and Boeing sales director Volkan Eser, in Baku, Azerbaijan, on October 14th. The trio spoke about fleet replenishment plans while developing the relationship between the flag carrier of Azerbaijan and the United States-based manufacturer.

Photo: Order date

Presently, Azerbaijan Airlines holds two 787-8s within its fleet. These both joined in December 2014 and are just under seven years old. Registration VP-BBS, nicknamed Ordubad, is currently parked in Baku, while VP-BBR, nicknamed Shusha, is currently performing a service from Baku to London, according to RadarBox.com.

Azerbaijan Airlines first placed an order for the Boeing 787 in February 2007. Photo: Azerbaijan Airlines

Time for a switch up

Despite half of the small 787 fleet being parked, there will undoubtedly be a requirement for the widebody after the industry overcomes the ongoing challenges of the global health crisis. Notably, Azerbaijan Airlines is looking for the trusted twinjet to take over the operations of its aging aircraft.

“At the meeting, a preliminary agreement was reached on the supply of new Boeing 787 Dreamliners for Azerbaijan Airlines. The parties discussed the possibility of supply of nine wide-body Dreamliner aircraft, which by the end of 2030 may replace the current Boeing 757, Boeing 767 and Airbus A340 in AZAL’s fleet. After the relevant proposal is prepared, it will be submitted to the Supervisory Board of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC and Azerbaijan Investment Holding,” Azerbaijan Airlines shared in a statement.

“During the meeting, the parties commended the friendship and partnership relations between AZAL and Boeing and expressed confidence in the further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation.”

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A look at the fleet

According to ch-aviation, the airline’s 787-8s hold 157 economy, 35 premium economy, and 18 business seats. In total, 210 passengers can fit on board the carrier’s units. When it comes to widebodies, these 787s are joined by three Airbus A340s, three Boeing 767s, and a Boeing 777.

The 787 has been seen on key international routes, including services to Havana, London, Ürümqi, and Prague. Photo: Azerbaijan Airlines

While the 777 unit is not even two years old, the A340 fleet has an average age of 14 years, and the 767s have an average age of over 10 years. Moreover, one of the airline’s narrowbody types, the 757, is over 21 years old. Therefore, the prospective 787 additions will be put to good use across operations.

Altogether, the Boeing 787 is a favorite across the market for its excellent balance of efficiency and passenger comfort. Many airlines are relying on the type to replace older widebodies on long-haul flights. This plane will be a mainstay in commercial aviation over the next few decades.

What are your thoughts about Azerbaijan Airlines’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft? Have you ever flown on the model with the carrier over the years? Let us know what you think of the jet and its prospects with the operator in the comment section.

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