Silk Way West completes the purchase of B777-8F freighters.
Silk Way West Airlines has finalised an order for two B777-8Fs. Photo: Boeing
Silk Way West Airlines has finalised an order with Boeing for two B777-8F freighters, with options for two additional aircraft of the same type.
The Azerbaijani cargo carrier is the first customer in the Eurasia region to order the fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter, said Boeing in a press release.
The order was previously listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.
The two companies announced the agreement at a signing ceremony at Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ Seattle Delivery Centre.
“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 777-8F in January and has booked more than 50 orders for the model.
The company said the 777-8F has nearly identical payload and range capabilities as the 747-400F while providing 30% better fuel efficiency and emissions and 25% better operating costs per tonne.
“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 chief executive 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.”
