Boeing and Silk Way West Airlines have finalized an order of two 777-8 Freighters, with options for two additional airplanes. The Azerbaijani cargo carrier, which serves 40 destinations around the world, is the first customer in the Eurasia region to order the industry's newest, most capable and most fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter. Shown here, a 777-8 Freighter for Silk Way West Airlines. (Image credit: Boeing)
Boeing has finalized another order for the 777-8F freighter. It has confirmed an order from Silk Way West Airlines for two aircraft plus two options for delivery in 2029 and 2030. Silk Way West first airline to order both the 777-8F and A350F.
The order was previously in the undisclosed section of Boeing’s backlog, just as the one announced for Cargolux for ten 777-8Fs that was announced on October 12. Whereas Boeing’s sales team flew to Luxemburg for the signing ceremony of that order, the president of the Azerbaijani cargo airline traveled to Seattle to get the deal done together with Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Although Silk Way West is much smaller that Cargolux, its order for the 777-8F is for the same reason: growth and replacement. Silk Way currently operates a fleet of twelve full freighters, seven Boeing 747-400F and five 747-8Fs. The -400Fs have an average age of over 21 years old, so the time comes when they need to be replaced.
Silk Way West also has orders for two Airbus A350Fs plus two options. (Airbus)
In a first step, Silk Way West placed an order for five 777Fs in April 2021. This has now been followed by the 777-8F. “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,” said Silk Way West Group President, Zaur Akhundov.
Silk Way West celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. In this period, it has always operated Boeing aircraft only. Although the Boeing fleet will grow and be renewed with the double orders, the carrier will also introduce the new Airbus A350F into its fleet. It signed an order for two of them in June for delivery in 2027 and 2028, with an option on two more. So far, this makes Silk Way the only airline to have ordered both new full freighter models.
At the time, Silk Way West Airlines President Wolfgang Meier said: “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.”
Active as a journalist since 1987, with a background in newspapers, magazines, and a regional news station, Richard has been covering commercial aviation on a freelance basis since late 2016.
Richard is contributing to AirInsight since December 2018. He also writes for Airliner World, Aviation News, Piloot & Vliegtuig, and Luchtvaartnieuws Magazine. Twitter: @rschuur_aero.
