Tajikistan’s privately owned carrier Somon Air unveiled a new Boeing 737-8 MAX on Monday, marking an expansion of the country’s commercial aviation fleet and plans to launch new international routes.

According to the Civil Aviation Agency under the Government of Tajikistan, the aircraft was acquired with government support as part of efforts to modernize the country’s civil aviation sector and strengthen its air transport infrastructure.

The ceremony was attended by officials from the Civil Aviation Agency, Somon Air executives and employees, representatives of government institutions, the diplomatic corps, Boeing, international partners and the media.

Khabibullo Nazarzoda, director of the Civil Aviation Agency, said Tajikistan has continued to expand cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and aviation authorities from other countries to improve flight safety, aviation security and compliance with international standards.

He said cooperation between the Civil Aviation Agency, Somon Air and Boeing has deepened in recent years, with the delivery of the Boeing 737-8 MAX reflecting that partnership.

Somon Air is expected to receive a second Boeing 737-8 MAX by the end of August, a move officials said would support implementation of Tajikistan’s civil aviation development program and its Open Skies policy.

The new aircraft is expected to operate both existing and planned routes, including proposed direct services from Dushanbe to Seoul, Beijing, Minsk and London. Additional international destinations are also under consideration.

Officials said the Boeing 737-8 MAX has a longer operational range than the airline’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft, allowing nonstop flights of about eight to nine hours, compared with roughly six to seven hours for the older model. The increased range is expected to enable more direct long-haul services while reducing travel times.

Authorities said the fleet expansion is expected to improve the competitiveness of Tajik airlines, increase passenger traffic, support tourism, strengthen trade and economic ties and help attract foreign investment.

The new aircraft has been named Avicenna, honoring the renowned medieval physician, philosopher and scholar, in recognition of Tajikistan’s scientific and cultural heritage.