Silk Way West Airlines announced it has successfully passed the latest IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)  — confirming its compliance to international flight safety standards throughout the Covid-19 pandemic when the carrier also saw increased air cargo demand.

"According to the results of the inspection, held online for the first time, Silk Way West Airlines proved for the fourth time that it meets all international safety requirements for air cargo," Silk Way West, a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) since 2015, said.

The IOSA audit program includes hundreds of required standards and recommended procedures in several areas, including ground handling, cargo and flight operations, as well as maintenance services and air traffic safety.

"Complying with international safety standards and meeting the expectations of our customers are our top priorities. Guided by the highest operational standards, Silk Way West Airlines has once again justified the trust of its customers with the extension of IOSA certification," said Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines.

Founded in 2012 in Baku, at the heart of the Silk Road, Silk Way West Airlines is the largest cargo airline in the Caspian Sea region.

Based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the airline operates around 350 monthly flights across Europe, Asia, and the Americas via its fleet of 12 dedicated Boeing 747-8F and Boeing 747-400F freighter aircraft.

On April 28, Silk Way West Airlines signed a strategic fleet expansion agreement with Boeing for five state-of-the-art 777 Freighters.

The airline's annual cargo turnover exceeds 420,000 tons, while its growing route network covers over 40 destinations across Europe, the CIS, the Middle East, Central, and Eastern Asia.