Azerbaijan Airlines is significantly expanding its Boeing 787 fleet, which should lead to some significant expansion for this unique airline.
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Azerbaijan Airlines expands Boeing 787-8 fleet
Azerbaijan Airlines has placed an order for eight Boeing 787-8s, complementing the two 787-8s that the airline already has in its fleet. The airline intends to use these planes to grow its long haul network, in order to boost capacity for inbound tourism.
Azerbaijan Airlines’ two current Boeing 787s were delivered to the airline back in 2014, so it’s interesting to see this order nearly a decade later. The timeline for these jets being delivered hasn’t yet been disclosed.
In reality, this order of eight Boeing 787-8s represents the doubling of a previous order. In July 2022, Azerbaijan Airlines announced plans to order four 787s, and now the airline is getting four more.
Azerbaijan Airlines currently has an incredibly diverse fleet, with just under 20 planes, spread across seven types of aircraft. This includes A319s, A320s, A340s, 757s, 767s, and 787s. As an avgeek, I always loved how the airline operated the A340-500, as I believe Azerbaijan Airlines was the world’s last commercial operator of the aircraft. Unfortunately it looks like all of these jets have recently been taken out of commercial service, and have been grounded.
Clearly the airline is trying to streamline its fleet a bit, as the company has also ordered 12 A320neo family aircraft, in addition to eight Boeing 787s (on top of the existing two).
My take on Azerbaijan Airlines’ aircraft order
Back in 2016 I reviewed Azerbaijan Airlines’ Boeing 787 business class, as the airline used to operate a fascinating flight between New York and Baku. Sadly the route hasn’t returned since the start of the pandemic, though with eight Boeing 787s on the way, I imagine we’ll see this route return.
A couple of interesting things to note. First of all, I’m intrigued by Azerbaijan Airlines’ choice to order the smallest version of the 787-8, rather than the 787-9. I wonder what exactly the motivation for that is, as the 787-9 has proven much more popular, given the higher capacity with better per-passenger economics. Does the airline just not think it can fill 787-9s, or…?
Next, it’s nice to see Azerbaijan Airlines finally simplify its fleet in a logical way. I mean, Azerbaijan’s government certainly has some money, so it’s logical for the country to at least have a modest and efficient airline. Between Airbus A320neos and Boeing 787s, the country’s national airline should be looking a lot better several years down the road than it currently does.
Lastly, Azerbaijan is a fascinating country, and I can’t wait to return again soon. If you have the chance to visit, I highly recommend it.
Bottom line
Azerbaijan Airlines is nicely refreshing its fleet, with an order for eight Boeing 787s. This complements a recent order for 12 Airbus A320neos. I imagine that eventually those planes will make up a majority of the carrier’s fleet.
Azerbaijan is a pretty wealthy country with surprisingly limited air service from its own airline, so here’s to hoping the airline keeps expanding, and eventually resumes New York flights.
What do you make of Azerbaijan Airlines’ Boeing 787 order?
The real issue is that of many of these smaller airlines. The flights are not cheap and they lack partners so connections are an issue. If there is a problem one could be stranded for days!
Completely agree re: fascinating country. Azerbaijan was my 64th country. It unexpectedly rocketed into my top7. Its every bit as interesting as country sandwiched between Iran and Russia would be. Culturally its a world away from Iran even tho the border is 170 miles from Baku.
And Baku.... total gem. Its old town easily rivals Paris/Barcelona for it gorgeous architecture.
Currently in Baku for the F1, my first visit and my goodness this is an incredible place. Highly recommended that anyone comes to visit and I hope the expansion sees more UK and Ireland options.
I lived in Baku for 3 years about 10 years ago when they hosted Eurovision. I worked in a luxury hotel training the staff. I decided to take the job and move there because Lonely Planet said it was a top 10 world city for nightlife and figured it wouldn’t be so bad. When I arrived there was hardly any nightlife to be found! Luckily I ended up working with a group of expats that...
I lived in Baku for 3 years about 10 years ago when they hosted Eurovision. I worked in a luxury hotel training the staff. I decided to take the job and move there because Lonely Planet said it was a top 10 world city for nightlife and figured it wouldn’t be so bad. When I arrived there was hardly any nightlife to be found! Luckily I ended up working with a group of expats that became like a family. I flew Azerbaijan Airlines to Tbilisi and Dubai a few times. Even with the new airport I wouldn’t want to fly Azerbaijan Airlines that far. Catering was weird. I do recommend visiting Baku for a few days. Some incredible architecture and old town. Friendly people. You can’t mention the president, Armenia, or being gay there though. Understand why that makes the place a no go.
Literally read this while in Baku (what are the odds? Here for F1 weekend). Confirmed absolutely awesome. The mashup of old and new, east and west is like something from a fantasy novel. I’m happy that next time I visit from the US I might not need 6 separate tickets to get there and back.
I’d like to see some routes to East Asia (thinking about some combination between PVG, PEK, ICN, NRT, BKK, SIN). The AvGeek in me wants to see them at LAX even if it’s highly unrealistic.
I don’t visit any country that has a dictatorship; I realize it limits many places I could go to, but it’s my decision , my $€£¥.
I heard China is beautiful.
Question Ben, could it be that Boeing gave a "deal" of the 787-8 to keep that assembly line going/increase numbers? Or maybe the economics are just different for smaller or seasonal users?
I think the problem with Azerbaijan is that their dictator is pretty bad. They absolutely don't have a free press, and he's shown nothing but contempt for Armenians inside and outside of his territory. He's probably worse from a human rights standpoint than MBS, but his society is probably a little freer than Turkmenistan. It's a confounding problem to have in a country that thinks it is European.
I think boycotting a county because of...
I think the problem with Azerbaijan is that their dictator is pretty bad. They absolutely don't have a free press, and he's shown nothing but contempt for Armenians inside and outside of his territory. He's probably worse from a human rights standpoint than MBS, but his society is probably a little freer than Turkmenistan. It's a confounding problem to have in a country that thinks it is European.
I think boycotting a county because of its politics is ignorant and short-sighted, but it's hard to read praise of Azerbaijan without at least a little balanced coverage of what venerable people living in the territory are being subjected to.
‘Analytics’ out - have you been there? Have you been to Saudi Arabia? What other dictatorships have you been to?
Thanks for your comment, Syd. I have been to both Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia. In terms of other dictatorships, I've also been to Kazakhstan, North Korea, Cuba, Belarus, Burundi, DR Congo... Is that enough?
You've done more than I have, and I envy you in a good way.
From your list I've been to AZ, KZ (all over the place on multiple occasions, although that was all before the new president), Belarus, Cuba and Saudi Arabia. Obviously it's just my opinion, but AZ certainly felt better than Saudi Arabia, KZ and Cuba. You can't criticize govt anywhere, but in AZ average locals appeared more dignified and less hopeless...
You've done more than I have, and I envy you in a good way.
From your list I've been to AZ, KZ (all over the place on multiple occasions, although that was all before the new president), Belarus, Cuba and Saudi Arabia. Obviously it's just my opinion, but AZ certainly felt better than Saudi Arabia, KZ and Cuba. You can't criticize govt anywhere, but in AZ average locals appeared more dignified and less hopeless that in any that I just mentioned. KZ is a good comparison - also ex-soviet, also a dictatorship, also great people on the inside, but if you just walk out and look at passers by - 80% seemed to themselves and kinda hopeless. Belarus we can argue about, although as a Westerner I'd say I'm more comfortable visiting AZ vs Belarus, even pre-war. Even if you do something they really don't like I feel like AZ will just kick you out vs in Belarus you can certainly go to prison for a little bit and then even become a pawn in their political games with the West.
I fed the JFK-GYD round trip once. The flight had barely anybody on it. It was less than half full. Baku is a wonderful place to visit. I would highly recommend it. That being said, the flight from JFK appeared to be more of a P2P service than a connecting hub. Maybe that will change, but the nonstop did save several hours.
I haven't flown the airline, but I've been to Baku so let me make a pitch as well, even though Lucky already did - it's an incredible place. Period. Baku is one of a kind, especially among ex-soviet cities and cultures. Getting in is very easy for most Westerners as well. And the people are truly incredible. Think Turkey on steroids - as hospitable and proud to show you their home as they come. Come visit, even if it's just for a long layover.
What is there to see in Baku besides those three flame towers? Just curious.
Icherisheher/ old town
Walk the boulevar along the Caspian Sea
Carpet museum
Heydar aliyev centre
Fountain square
Funicular to a nice lookout
Night out at Pacifico night club overlooking the Caspian
Day trip to Bilgah beach
You only need two full days here and you’ll be able to see the highlights. Three tops.