Silk Way West Airlines has signed an agreement with Airbus for the purchase of two A350 Freighters, with delivery planned for 2027-2028.
The Azerbaijan-based carrier said the new orders will further modernise its fleet and boost the expansion of its international network to meet the growing demand for cargo transportation.
Silk Way West noted that an option for two further aircraft of the same model was included in the deal signed on June 28.
"The investment marks a further step in Silk Way West Airlines’ expansion of its international network to meet the growing demand for cargo transportation," the carrier said.
This is the first order for A350F in Central Asia and the CIS region.
The A350F is based on the world's most modern long-range aircraft, the A350. As a new member of the A350 family, the A350F benefits from state-of-the art technology, aerodynamics, and unrivaled operational flexibility and reliability.
Silk Way West said the aircraft will feature a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimized for cargo operations.
It added that over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a take-off weight reduction of 30 tons, which together with an optimized and modern cargo loading system and a 109-tonne payload capability serves all types of freight.
Powered by Rolls-Royce engines, the A350F is in the large category of new-generation freighter aircraft and generates lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions.
Silk Way West sustainability initiative
The carrier noted that with Airbus A350F as one of the world's most efficient and environmentally friendly freighters, these latest additions to the Silk Way West fleet will contribute to the airline's sustainability goals.
"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," said Wolfgang Meier, president of Silk Way West Airlines.
"... I am confident of the success that the acquisition of these new aircraft will bring us, and the signing of this agreement marks a new milestone in the growth of our company. There is no doubt that this partnership will strengthen the company's leading position in the global air freight market over the next 15-20 years," he added.
The carrier noted that the deal marks a further step in Silk Way West Airlines' ambition to broaden its footprint on the global cargo market and strengthen its leadership in the region.