The Tajik government has acquired a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that previously served as a presidential aircraft in Mexico. Reports indicate the purchase price was 1.66 billion pesos, equal to about 92 million dollars, a figure confirmed by officials in the deal with Mexican authorities. The announcement was made publicly by the Mexican side, noting that a contract had been signed for the sale of the aircraft to Tajikistan. The Tajik side disclosed that the payment was made according to the official estimate, totaling 1,658,684,400 pesos. The funds are described as earmarked for the construction of two new hospitals in Tajikistan, signaling a broader public investment plan.
Mexican authorities have been attempting to sell the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner since 2019. Various estimates over the years have placed the cost of the aircraft anywhere from roughly $220 million to as high as $400 million. The Mexican president who took office in 2018 did not use the plane and has repeatedly indicated that a new owner would be found, promising more than once to secure a transfer of the aircraft to another nation.
Analysts note that the sale reflects Tajikistan’s interest in acquiring a modern wide-body jet for official use, potentially supporting international travel, diplomatic missions, and high-level state visits. The decision to allocate the sale proceeds toward health infrastructure aligns with broader development goals and the need to expand public healthcare capacity. Observers emphasize the importance of transparent procurement processes and adherence to international aviation and export regulations in such transactions, especially when the asset has both political and symbolic value. The evolving story illustrates how governments balance legacy assets with strategic needs, and how assets once tied to one administration can find new life under different stewardship. The exchange also highlights ongoing conversations about how retired presidential aircraft are repurposed or repackaged for newer custodians, sometimes decades after their first flight. (Citation: official statements from the Tajik government and Mexican authorities and public records related to the sale.)