Freight Silk Way West Airlines purchases two Airbus A350F

Azerbaijan carrier Silk Way West Airlines has agreed to purchase two new Airbus A350 Freighter aircraft. The airline is set to become the first A350F operator in the Caspian region. For its cargo operations, Silk Way is currently using aging aircraft like the Ilyushin IL-76, while the subsidiary Silk Way West Airlines flies with Boeing 747 Freighter.

This newest order will modernize the fleet and will also bolster the cargo capacity in addition. It is also the first time that the airline has ordered Aircraft with Airbus and the carrier hopes to strengthen the partnership in the future.

Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines, explained: “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.”

Catalyzed through the pandemic, E-Commerce has blossomed in the past years and with this circumstance comes a new demand for air cargo capacity. The freight market has experienced a strong surge in aircraft ordered as many airlines prepare to be competitive in this market for years to come.

Meier stated: “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.”

Airbus presented the A350F on Dubai Air Show last year and has since then received orders for multiple airlines. The A350F is based on the A350-1000 with a new and longer fuselage to accommodate a large freight door in the back.      

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, commented: “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.”