Silk Way West Airlines signs for two A350F
Silk Way West Airlines, based in Baku, Azerbaijan has signed a purchase agreement for two A350F.
Above:
(left to right) Wouter Van Wersch, EVP Region & Sales Europe Airbus and Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines, at the signature ceremony in Baku (Azerbaijan).
Copyright Airbus
This is the first order from the Caspian region for this aircraft type. The freighters are intended to modernize and further grow the existing fleet with the most efficient and sustainable cargo aircraft available in the market.
“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. 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,” said Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines.
“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.” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.
The A350F is based on the long range A350. The aircraft will feature a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimised for cargo operations. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a 30 tonnes lighter take-off weight, which together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines generate lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions. The A350F serves all cargo markets (e.g. express, general cargo and special cargo) and is in the large freighter category as the only new generation freighter aircraft ready on-time for the enhanced ICAO CO₂ emissions standards.
Launched in 2021, the A350F has to date 31 orders and commitments from six customers.
