DUBAI AIR SHOW - ORDER - Silk Way West Airlines orders two additional Airbus A350F freighters

 
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 November 2025 – Silk Way West Airlines based in Baku, Azerbaijan has signed a firm contract for an additional two A350F freighter aircraft. The agreement, which takes the total order to four A350Fs, forms the backbone of Silk Way West Airlines’ fleet modernisation and expansion strategy.

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Airbus on the A350F programme. This order, bringing our total commitment to four aircraft, marks a major milestone in our company’s growth and reflects our confidence in the future of sustainable air freight. The A350F will strengthen our leading position in the global air freight market as we continue to modernise our fleet and reduce our carbon footprint,” said Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines.

“This repeat order from Silk Way West Airlines, the largest cargo airline in the Caspian Sea region, is a great vote of confidence at a time when the A350F is physically taking shape in our assembly lines. The A350F will ensure the airline maintains its leading position in the global air freight market and further enables its key role in developing Azerbaijan as a major global cargo hub at the heart of the Silk Road,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027. Currently, the assembly of test aircraft in Toulouse is underway.

The A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and will fly up to 4,700 nautical miles / 8,700 kilometres. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability. The A350F will be able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at entry-to-service, with the aim for 100% capability by 2030, as with all Airbus aircraft.

At the end of October 2025, the all-new A350F had registered 74 orders from 12 customers.

FLEET - Silk Way West continues fleet expansion with latest 777 freighter

Silk Way West Airlines has taken delivery of a second Boeing 777 freighter as it looks to capitalise on growing demand.
The freighter is the second of an order for five production 777Fs made by the cargo airline in April 2021.
The first was delivered in October and the remaining three are due to be delivered gradually until 2027.

Following delivery of the freighter, the carrier now operates two 777Fs, five 747-8Fs and seven 747-400Fs based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.
The carrier has also ordered two 777-8Fs and two A350Fs.

The Baku-based airline’s annual cargo turnover exceeds 500,000 tons, and its network covers over 40 destinations across Europe, the CIS, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Asia, and the Americas.
In line with its fleet expansion, the carrier is also planning to build a new cargo airport in Azerbaijan.
Air cargo news

FLEET - Azerbaijan's Silk Way sees A350F as bridge between B777s

Silk Way West Airlines (7L, Baku Heydar Aliev International) has selected the A350F as a type to bridge the gap between the arrival of the last of its five firm-ordered B777-200Fs in 2027 and the start of the deliveries of its B777-8Fs, its president and chief executive Wolfgang Meier explained during an interview with STAT Media.

"When you look at the delivery slots of our five B777-200Fs, the last delivery will be in 2027 and then there will be a gap until the new orders of the B777-8Fs. This gap we're going to fill with new A350Fs. Both aircraft [the A350F and the B777-8F] are really convincing models in terms of fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness," he stressed.

He did not reveal the exact timeline for the deliveries of the B777-8Fs but stressed that Silk Way West Airlines strategically preferred not to be among the early operators of a newly certified type. As the first passenger variant, the B777-9, is expected to enter into service in 2025, Boeing estimates that the freighter variant could be delivered to the launch customer in 2027. As such, the A350F would allow the airline to meet its strategic goal of renewing the fleet without having to wait for the deliveries of the new B777-8Fs.

The Azerbaijani cargo specialist ordered two A350Fs with a further two options in mid-2022, followed by two B777-8Fs also with two options less than half a year later. The A350s will be its first Airbus type.

The ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows that the carrier's current fleet comprises seven B747-400FSCDs, five B747-8Fs, and two out of the five recently ordered B777-200Fs. The airline used to operate two B767-300Fs but retired them by 2015. Meier said that the B747-400FSCDs are slated for eventual retirement.

"We made the strategic decision to modernise our fleet, and as the years go by, we will definitely phase out the -400s. When is this going to happen? This is a tactical question. I would not rule out that we are going to phase out the first -400 during the course of next year, but this depends on the market situation," he said.

The macroeconomic environment for cargo freighters is currently tough, he conceded but added that this does not reflect on Silk Way West Airlines, whose business continues to thrive.

CH Aviation

NEW MODEL IN THE FLEET - Silk Way West Airlines Takes Delivery of First Boeing 777 Freighter

- Cargo carrier modernizing fleet with five Boeing 777 Freighters

- Highly efficient Boeing airplanes enable Silk Way West to increase capacity and expand into new cargo markets

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Silk Way West Airlines' first Boeing 777 Freighter arrived at Heydar Aliyev International Airport today as the airline becomes the newest operator of the world's largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter. The 777 Freighter will enable Silk Way West to increase its capacity to meet growing cargo demand around the globe.

"Delivery of this aircraft marks a defining moment in our strategic plan to make Silk Way West Airlines greener, more fuel efficient, and better positioned for growth from conception to reality," said Fadi Nahas, vice president of Silk Way West Airlines, Americas. "This expansion of the fleet will open up opportunities for Silk Way West Airlines to boost the volume of flights and extend our reach to additional strategic destinations, reflecting the growing importance of our home base of Baku as a regional and global transportation hub."

Designed to integrate smoothly with existing cargo operations, the 777 Freighter will provide Azerbaijan-based Silk Way West with enhanced efficiency and operational flexibility. With a range of 9,200 kilometers, the 777 Freighter can carry a maximum structural payload of 107,000 kilograms, allowing operators to make fewer stops and reduce landing fees on long-haul routes. The airplane's large fuselage diameter allows carriers to transport tall and outsized cargo loads on 3-meter-tall pallets, and its main deck side cargo door is 3.72 meters wide, allowing convenient loading of taller and wider cargo.

Boeing, Silk Way West Airlines Announce Order for 777-8 Freighters

- Azerbaijani cargo carrier orders two of industry's most capable and fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter, with options for two additional airplanes
- First customer for new fuel-efficient 777-8 Freighter in the Eurasia region

SEATTLE,  /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Silk Way West Airlines have finalized an order of two 777-8 Freighters, with options for two additional airplanes. The two companies announced the agreement at a signing ceremony today at Boeing Commercial Airplanes' Seattle Delivery Center.


The Azerbaijani cargo carrier, which serves 40 destinations around the world, is the first customer in the Eurasia region to order the industry's newest, most capable and most fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter.


The order was previously listed as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.


"We are pleased to announce this order with our longstanding partner Boeing and become one of the world's first customers for the newest freighter," said Zaur Akhundov, Silk Way Group president. "This year Silk Way West Airlines celebrates its 10th anniversary, and over the past decade the carrier has been operating an all-Boeing fleet. Today's agreement reflects our ongoing investment in Boeing's market-leading freighters. Our fleet renewal plans will help to further reduce our operating costs and enhance fuel efficiency as well as make air freight services in our region more sustainable."


Boeing launched the new 777-8 Freighter in January 2022 and has booked more than 50 orders for the model. The 777-8 Freighter has nearly identical payload and range capabilities as the 747-400 Freighter while providing 30% better fuel efficiency and emissions and 25% better operating costs per tonne. It is the ideal choice as operators replace aging freighters later this decade.


"With sustained demand for air cargo tied to expanding e-commerce and air freight's speed and reliability, Boeing expects the global freighter fleet to increase by 60% through 2041," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are proud that Boeing products, including this order for the 777-8 Freighter, continue to drive Silk Way West Airlines' expansion plans and help realize the ambition of making Baku a global cargo hub."


Boeing provides more than 90% of the worldwide dedicated freighter capacity, including new production and converted aircraft.

Silk Way West Airlines signs order for two A350F

Silk Way West Airlines based in Baku, Azerbaijan has signed a purchase agreement for two A350F. This is the first order from the Caspian region for this aircraft type. The freighters are intended to modernize and further grow the existing fleet with the most efficient and sustainable cargo aircraft available in the market.


“We are delighted to sign the first but surely not the last agreement with Airbus, which marks the start of what I am sure will be a very fruitful partnership as we strive for future growth. Today, our guests witnessed a defining moment in Silk Way West Airlines’ history. I am confident of the success that the acquisition of these new aircraft will bring us. The signing of this agreement marks a new milestone in the growth of our company. There is no doubt that this agreement will strengthen the company's leading position in the global air freight market over the next 15-20 years,” said Mr. Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines.

“I welcome Silk Way West Airlines as a new Airbus customer. The A350F is a game changer in efficiency and sustainability for the cargo operations of the future. We look forward to demonstrating how positively the economics and environmental signature of the A350s will stand out versus older generation aircraft.” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

The A350F is based on the world's most modern long range leader, the A350. The aircraft will feature a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimised for cargo operations. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a 30 tonnes lighter take-off weight, which together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines generate an advantage of at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions over its current closest competitor. With a 109 tonnes payload capability (+3t payload / 11% more volume than its competition), the A350F serves all cargo markets (Express, general cargo, special cargo…) and is in the large freighter category the only new generation freighter aircraft ready on-time for the enhanced ICAO CO₂ emissions standards.

Launched in 2021, the A350F records to date 31 orders and commitments from six customers.

Silk Way Airlines / Ilyushin-76TD / MSN92-09 - 4K-AZ41

Steven Picalausa

Silk Way West Airlines Orders Five Boeing 777 Freighters

New deal to increase carrier's capacity to meet growing cargo and e-commerce demand

777 Freighters provide operational flexibility with airline's existing 747 Freighter fleet

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Silk Way West Airlines today announced the private cargo operator will expand its international network with an order for five 777 Freighters. The deal marks the first purchase of the long-range, high capacity twin-engine freighter in the Caspian region and Central Asia. The airplanes will enable the airline to increase its capacity to meet growing cargo demand around the globe.

"This deal is an incremental part of our fleet renewal and our commitment to meet our customers' expectations. I am confident that the acquisition of new freighters will further strengthen our leading position on the global air freight market for the next 15 to 20 years," said Zaur Akhundov, Silk Way Group president.

Silk Way West Airlines and Boeing leaders announced the agreement during a signing ceremony in Baku that included Akhundov; Rashad Nabiyev, Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan; and Earle D. Litzenberger, U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan, as well as Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

"Silk Way West Airlines has been rapidly expanding the geographic reach of its network. With the global air freight market forecasted to grow more than 60% over the next 20 years, this new order bolsters their ability to meet trade and e-commerce demand in the Commonwealth of Independent States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America," said Deal. "We are honored to partner with them and look forward to introducing the market-leading efficiency and capability of the 777 Freighter to its fleet of 747 Freighters."

The 777 Freighter is the world's largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter. The airplane's better fuel efficiency and ability to reduce CO2 emissions by 17% compared to legacy airplanes will contribute to the carrier's sustainability goals. With a range of 9,200 kilometers, the 777 Freighter can carry a maximum payload of 102,000 kilograms, allowing Silk Way West Airlines to make fewer stops and reduce landing fees on long-haul routes.

Designed to integrate smoothly with existing cargo operations, the 777 Freighter will provide Silk Way West Airlines operational flexibility with five 747-8 Freighters and seven 747-400 Freighters the carrier currently operates. The 747 and 777 freighters are capable of carrying tall and outsized cargo loads on 3-meter-tall pallets. This common main-deck pallet height capability enables interchangeable pallets. Additionally, the 777 Freighter main deck side cargo door is 3.72 meters wide, giving the freighter outsized carriage capability beyond tall payloads.

The 777 Freighter is Boeing's top-selling freighter of all time. Customers from around the world have ordered 247 777 Freighters since the program began in 2005. The market leader in air cargo aircraft, Boeing provides more than 90% of the worldwide dedicated freighter capacity, including new production and converted aircraft.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Founded in 2012 in Baku, Silk Way West Airlines is the largest cargo airline in the Caspian Sea region with an annual cargo turnover of 350,000 tons. Based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, the airline operates approximately 350 monthly scheduled flights to 40 destinations around the world.

AMSTERDAM - 7 APRIL 2020

Thank you so much Ton Jochems for (continue) sharing your photos at this very difficult time for the whole world

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Ton Jochems - AMS

Silk Way to order more B747-8 freighters

Silk Way Airlines (ZP, Baku) will sign an agreement with Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare) before year-end for two more B747-8(F)s the president of AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines (J2, Baku), Jahangir Asgarov, has announced. At present Silk Way Airlines has five B747-8(F)s in service with its Silk Way West Airlines (7L, Baku) unit.

The private Trend news agency reports Asgarov making the comments during the 7th Caspian Air Cargo Summit which opened in Baku on Tuesday, October 10.

“Preparatory work is currently underway for the purchase of these aircraft,” Asgarov said. “Today, Silk Way Airlines operates flights to 60 countries, including 37 regular routes. I should note that over the past year, the airline opened 11 new routes which include Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, as well as Hong Kong-Singapore flights carried out over the Pacific Ocean.”

In tandem to the Silk Way purchase, a deal for four more B787s for AZAL, previously announced this year, will also be signed, Asgarov added.

ch aviation

Azerbaijan's Silk Way West opens Amsterdam base

Silk Way West Airlines (7L, Baku) has established a base at Amsterdam following an inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, October 12.

With the move, the Azeri carrier's presence at the Dutch international gateway is expected grow beyond its current 4x weekly service to Baku which uses a combination of B747-8(F) and B747-400(F) equipment.

ch aviation

SILKWAY - IL76 - 4K-AZ100 - LEJ

Ton Jochems -

SILK WAY - IL76 - 4K-AZ41

José Ramon Valero - MAD -

Azerbaijan's Silk Way commits to 3 more B747-8 freighters

Silk Way Airlines has placed a firm order with Boeing for three more B747-8(F)s the official Azernews press agency has reported. The Azerbaijani operator had originally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Americans for four freighters in early 2013 firming only two of them initially.

The agreement, which was signed in Baku on December 24, will see the aircraft delivered over the course of this year and next.
 ch-aviation

SILK WAY - B747-400F - 4K-SW800

João Luis Pessoa - Lisboa