Turkmenistan has to be one of the most intriguing countries in the world, as it has major restrictions on tourism. Along those lines, the country’s national carrier, Turkmenistan Airlines, is growing its fleet in a pretty cool way (thanks to Zach for flagging this).
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Turkmenistan Airlines acquires Boeing 777-300ERs
Turkmenistan Airlines is growing its fleet, and is acquiring two new flagship aircraft. Specifically, the airline is picking up two Boeing 777-300ERs, both of which used to fly for Cathay Pacific.
The carrier’s fleet otherwise consists of three Boeing 777-200LRs, two Boeing 737-700s, and eight Boeing 737-800s. The 777-200LR fleet is already interesting, as the airline flies the last 777-200LR to ever be produced. Never mind that the airline doesn’t need the range of the 777-200LR, which is one of the longest range jets in the world.
These new 777-300ERs not only represent the biggest planes the airline has flown, but also increase the size of the wide body fleet by ~67%.
The first 777-300ER to join Turkmenistan Airlines’ fleet has the registration code EZ-A781, while the second plane will have the registration code EZ-A782. Both planes were produced in 2012. It hasn’t yet been announced which routes these planes will fly. Currently the airline primarily flies its 777s from Ashgabat (ASB) to Beijing (PEK), Frankfurt (FRA), Istanbul (IST), and London (LHR).
Cathay Pacific has retired a significant portion of its Boeing 777 fleet during the pandemic. In addition to Turkmenistan Airlines, these planes can now be found at airlines like Qatar Airways and Air New Zealand.
You’ve sure gotta love the press release about Turkmenistan Airlines expanding its fleet:
At the initiative of the respected National Leader of the Turkmen people, the National Program for the Development of Civil Aviation of Turkmenistan for 2012-2030 was developed. Under the sensitive leadership of our Respected Arkadaghly Serdar, program activities in this area are being carried out.
The large-scale activities carried out under the leadership of our Honorable Arkadagly Serdar with international initiatives to expand the framework of cooperation in the field of international air transport by our respected Arkadag is another clear evidence of the desire of the Turkmen people to live a more dignified life.
For active support in strengthening the material and technical base of the national civil aviation industry, for special attention to the construction of new airport complexes that meet international standards, and the systematic acquisition of new aircraft, we wish our Dear Arkadag and Arkadagly Serdar health and long life, success in their difficult work for the benefit of the prosperity of the people and the country.
Turkmenistan Airlines’ 777-300ER configuration
While Air New Zealand and Qatar Airways have both picked up former Cathay Pacific 777s with first class cabins, Turkmenistan Airlines didn’t. Instead, the Turkmenistan Airlines 777-300ERs are in a three cabin configuration with a total of 368 seats, including 40 business class seats, 32 premium economy seats, and 296 economy seats.
This still represents a massive passenger experience improvement for the airline, as these planes have reverse herringbone seats in business class. As a point of comparison, Turkmenistan Airlines’ 777-200LRs have fully flat business class seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, similar to what you’ll find on Turkish Airlines’ 777s.
Bottom line
Turkmenistan Airlines is growing its fleet with two Boeing 777-300ERs, which are both former Cathay Pacific jets. When it comes to wide body planes, this complements the carrier’s existing 777-200LRs, and significantly increases the carrier’s capacity.
I’m curious to see where the airline flies these 777-300ERs. Goodness, I’d love to fly with this airline… maybe it’s time to plan a trip soon. I could see the airline being a bit strange about picture taking, though, given how secretive the country is (then again, I survived Uzbekistan Airways, despite the carrier’s no picture policy).
What do you make of Turkmenistan Airlines’ new 777-300ERs?
Surprising that such a niche carrier would purchase such a large aircraft when their country is more restrictive when it comes to foreign travel. What is really puzzling is if Cathay has surplus B777s they need to offload that a carrier such as AA (who is short of wide bodies) didn't consider adding more of the type.
I remember hearing that the best place to get a Turkmenistan visa is in Baku, Azerbaijan. Maybe you should fly Azerbaijan Airlines again. Hopefully you find this guy outside of the consulate named Ismael since he is helpful unlike most of the others there.
One thing I gotta say is that I dig how the design of their main hub, the Ashgabat airport, actually looks like a giant bird (a falcon). I’ve never seen a...
I remember hearing that the best place to get a Turkmenistan visa is in Baku, Azerbaijan. Maybe you should fly Azerbaijan Airlines again. Hopefully you find this guy outside of the consulate named Ismael since he is helpful unlike most of the others there.
One thing I gotta say is that I dig how the design of their main hub, the Ashgabat airport, actually looks like a giant bird (a falcon). I’ve never seen a design concept like that for an airport terminal. And the interior is gorgeous. Also the same bird is on the airline’s logo.
Ashgabat is by a wide margin the most mind blowing capital you have ever seen. Best to engage a guide as they don’t look upon travelers very favorably.
Actually, booking a guided private tour is one of the prerequisites of obtaining a Turkmen visa. You can't go there by your own.
Wasn’t the ex Presidential 787-8 from the Mexican government “sold” to the Turmekistan government a few months back?
Seems they are investing quite a lot on newer planes.
I think that one went to Tajikistan, not Turkmenistan.
The 777-300ER is a more fuel efficient version of the LR so it is possible that the LRs will be retired; it is hard to believe they need multiple versions of the most capable currently in service versions of the 777.
They buy these for the extra fuel tanks so they can be double-provisioned for fuel for the return journey. When you're from a country where oil is dirt cheap, might as well?
Josh Cahill published a you tube video flying them…it’s an interesting watch
Isn't this airline banned from flying into many countries in the EU?
If you search London to Ashgabat on google flights the option to fly Turkmenistan Airlines isn’t even an option. How do you fill a 777 when you run an offline airline?
It's not really possible to book this airline online yourself. Need to do it through local travel agents only