Boeing

The Boeing Company today delivered Uzbekistan Airways' first of two 757-200s to be used for scheduled service. Attending this milestone event were Arslan Ruzmetov, director general - Uzbekistan Airways and Doug Groseclose, Boeing vice president - South Asia/Pacific, Africa, and Middle East Sales - Commercial Airplanes Group.

Established in 1992, Uzbekistan Airways has grown to become one of the largest carriers in Central Asia. Uzbekistan Airways' current scheduled-service fleet consists of two 767-300ERs, three A310s, three RJ85s, and numerous Russian-built jets.

"Because we are already operating the Boeing 767, it makes good business sense to select the 757 to help support our rapidly expanding international system," Ruzmetov said.

Boeing concurrently developed the single-aisle 757 and twin-aisle 767, so both share the same common flight deck, technological advancements, and ground equipment to keep operating costs down and operation efficient. This commonality reduces training and spares requirements when both are operated in the same fleet. The 757 and 767 also have a common type-rating, which offers more flexibility and economic benefits such as pilot-pooling and economies of scale for training.

"Uzbekistan Airways is operating in an important, emerging area of the world," Groseclose said. "Boeing is pleased to be a part of Uzbekistan Airways' success, and looks forward to contributing to the airline's continued success in the future."

Uzbekistan Airways configured its new airplane to carry 184 passengers - 26 in business class and the remainder in the economy section. The airline plans to use the 757-200 fleet for routes connecting Uzbekistan to several cities in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.