Silk Way West Airlines shows no sign of slowing down its impressive record of growth, having secured a deal to offer even more cargo capacity in the future. The Azerbaijani cargo carrier signed an order with Boeing for two state-of-the-art 777-8 Freighters with options for two additional aircraft, the two companies announced today at the agreement signing ceremony in Everett, Washington. Per the agreement, aircraft deliveries are planned for 2029 and 2030.
Silk Way West Airlines is the first customer in the whole Central Asia region to order the industry’s newest, most capable and fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter. The aircraft can carry over 118 tons of structural payload with a range of over 9,200 km. With its advanced technology, new GE9X engines and composite wing design, the 777-8 offers 30 per cent greater fuel efficiency and emission levels as well as 25 per cent lower operating costs per ton. As a result, the new aircraft will also make an important contribution to the airline’s sustainability goals.
This investment will not only enable Silk Way West Airlines, which serves 40 destinations around the world, to further expand its international network and meet growing demand for cargo transport, but will also strengthen Baku as a key international cargo hub. The Azerbaijani capital has become increasingly important for the Middle Corridor linking Europe and the Western Hemisphere to Asia through the Caspian region.
Back in April 2021, the cargo airline signed a purchase agreement for five Boeing 777s, setting the course for further fleet growth. Now, the new 777-8 aircraft complement SWWA’s fleet development plans by enabling the necessary operational commonality, enhancing a long-term strategy of sustainable growth as well as allowing the Azerbaijani carrier to continuously improve service to its customers.
About Silk Way West Airlines
Founded in 2012 in Baku, at the heart of the Silk Road, Silk Way West Airlines operates hundreds of monthly flights across the globe via its fleet of 12 dedicated Boeing 747-8F and 747-400F aircraft based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. On April 28, 2021, Silk Way West Airlines signed a strategic fleet expansion agreement with Boeing for the purchase of five state-of-the-art 777 Freighters. The airline’s annual cargo turnover exceeds 500,000 tons, while its growing route network covers over 40 destinations across Europe, the CIS, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Asia, and the Americas. South Korea’s Incheon Airport honored Silk Way West Airlines with the prestigious ‘Cargo Airline of the Year 2020’ award.
About Boeing
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
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