Silk Way West Airlines, based in Azerbaijan, announced that it placed an order for five Boeing 777 freighter planes in a bid to expand its network and support the growing demand for general and e-commerce cargo.
"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.
It also marks the first purchase of the long-range, high-capacity twin-engine freighter in the Caspian region and Central Asia. The carrier said the airplanes will enable the airline to increase its capacity to meet growing cargo demand around the globe.
Silk Way West Airlines is the largest cargo airline in the Caspian Sea region with an annual cargo turnover of 350,000 tons.
"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," Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes commented.
"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."
Boeing noted that the 777 Freighter is the world's largest, longest-range, and most capable twin-engine freighter — with 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 also 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 carrier added.
Based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, Silk Way West Airlines operates approximately 350 monthly scheduled flights to 40 destinations around the world.
