Cargo carrier Silk Way West Airlines has signed an order for two Airbus A350 freighters, part of expansion plans at the Azerbaijan-based carrier.
The cargo specialist said the aircraft are set to be delivered in 2027-2028 and the deal includes an option for two further A350F aircraft.
“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,” Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines said in a statement on June 28, 2022.
Meier said the purchase of the freighters marks a “new milestone” in the growth of the company, which was founded in 2012. “There is no doubt that this partnership will strengthen the company's leading position in the global air freight market over the next 15-20 years,” Meier said.
Airbus, which launched the freighter version of the A350 long-haul aircraft in 2021, noted that the deal represents the first order for the A350F from the Caspian region.
“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,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.
Singapore Airlines is set to be the first airline to fly the A350F, which will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.