Trump praises 'great deal' as Uzbekistan purchases Boeing Dreamliners

U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to praise Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev after the signing of a landmark aviation deal with Boeing.

Trump described the agreement, valued at more than $8 billion (€6.78 billion), as a “great deal,” noting that Uzbekistan Airways would acquire 22 of 787 Dreamliners, a purchase he said would create over 35,000 jobs in the United States.

“President Mirziyoyev is a man of his word, and we will continue to work together on many more items,” Trump declared in his post.

The announcement comes amid President Mirziyoyev’s business program in New York City, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where he has been meeting with global corporate leaders, American officials, and investors to deepen Uzbekistan’s international economic partnerships.

Boeing partnership strengthened

During his visit, President Mirziyoyev met with Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global. The discussion underscored the long-standing strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Boeing, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aviation and space technology.

Both sides emphasised the importance of swiftly implementing the newly signed contract for the supply of aircraft and expressed commitment to long-term cooperation.

Uzbekistan Airways’ purchase of Boeing Dreamliners is not only a significant boost for US manufacturing but also a signal of Uzbekistan’s efforts to modernise its aviation sector and expand international connectivity.

As part of the New York program, President Mirziyoyev also hosted a high-level roundtable with leaders of prominent American companies, investment funds, and financial institutions.

The event drew notable figures including Sergio Gor, Special Envoy of the US President for South and Central Asian Affairs; Paolo Zampolli, Special Envoy for Global Partnerships; William Kimmitt, Under Secretary of Commerce; and Carolyn Lamm, Chair of the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce.

Executives from leading firms, including Franklin Templeton, Citigroup, BNY Mellon, NASDAQ, Mastercard, Visa, General Motors, Nvidia, Oppenheimer, Jefferies, Air Products, and Cargill, also attended, along with heads of major Uzbek companies.

Expanding US–Uzbek economic cooperation

In his address, President Mirziyoyev highlighted his recent conversation with Donald Trump, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic ties. He emphasised that the current meeting was instrumental in establishing a solid, long-term portfolio of joint projects.

Over the past eight years, trade between Uzbekistan and the United States has quadrupled, with more than 300 American companies now investing in Uzbekistan. Together with Franklin Templeton, the two nations have even established a National Investment Fund.

Key areas of future cooperation were identified in critical mineral processing, sustainable supply chains, IT, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, transport, energy, infrastructure development, and smart agriculture.

Agreements with US companies

American business leaders praised Uzbekistan for fostering favourable investment conditions and pledged active participation in upcoming projects across multiple sectors.

The event concluded with a ceremony to exchange new trade, economic, and investment agreements, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s growing reputation as a reliable partner for US enterprises.

As Trump’s social media reaction suggests, the Boeing deal has not only strengthened ties between Tashkent and Washington but also become a showcase for how economic diplomacy can translate into jobs and opportunities on both sides of the partnership.

Following the roundtable with the heads of leading American companies, investment funds and financial institutions, in the presence of President Mirziyoyev and Special Envoy Gor, a ceremony of signing bilateral agreements was held.

In particular, the following documents were signed for the implementation of trade, economic and investment cooperation projects:

- Agreement on long-term cooperation in the field of transport between the Ministry of Transport and Boeing company;

- Agreement on the establishment of a joint venture for the production of mining and processing equipment between Technopark LLC and FLSmidth company;

- Agreement on the creation of a multidisciplinary clinic and an educational institution between Akfa Group and Cleveland Clinic.

- Agreement on mutual partnership and cooperation between the Centrum Air airline and the investment company Oppenheimer;

- Agreement on cooperation between the Ministry of economy and finance and Citigroup company;

- Agreement on financial cooperation between Uzbekhydroenergo JSC and Cargill Financial Services International;

- Agreement on cooperation between Uztransgaz JSC and Pangea Filtration Technology.

- Agreement on conducting geological exploration at prospective sites between the Ministry of mining industry and geology and Cove Capital;

- Agreement on cooperation between Yangi Kon LLC and SLB company;

- Agreement on cooperation in establishing funds to finance projects in the fields of artificial intelligence and biotechnology between the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan and Biologic International company.

The deal with Boeing

According to an official announcement by Uzbekistan Airways, the national carrier of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a firm contract has been signed with Boeing for the purchase of 14 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with an additional eight aircraft as options.

This agreement is part of the airline’s long-term fleet modernisation program and its strategy to enhance long-haul capacity. Deliveries will commence in 2031.

The expansion of the widebody fleet will enable Uzbekistan Airways to boost capacity on key routes, strengthen schedule reliability, and flexibly grow its network by connecting Central Asia with North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

The project aligns with the national development program Uzbekistan–2030 and supports the airline’s strategic goal of positioning Tashkent as a leading international transit hub, fostering tourism, investment, and global partnerships.

Uzbekistan Airways has successfully operated Boeing 787 aircraft for nearly a decade. The airline received its first 787-8 Dreamliner in 2016.

“With this new contract, we are further strengthening both our airline’s and our nation’s position as a leading aviation hub in Central Asia, while providing our passengers with greater global connectivity. This step reaffirms our ambitions and strategic commitment to sustainable growth,” said Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airways.

"We value our nearly 30-year partnership with Uzbekistan Airways and will continue to support their growth strategy as they further connect the region and world," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

"With its fuel efficiency and operational flexibility, the 787 Dreamliner will help Uzbekistan Airways expand into new markets, connecting more travelers to their rich culture.”