Silk Way West Airlines expands fleet with two additional Airbus A350F freighters

Silk Way West Airlines has signed an agreement with Airbus for the acquisition of two additional A350F freighters, bringing its total order for this next-generation model to four aircraft. This significant milestone reinforces the airline’s commitment to fleet modernization and sustainable growth.

The new order builds upon the partnership established between Silk Way West Airlines and Airbus in June 2022, when the airline became the first operator in the Central Asia and CIS region to order the A350F.
“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Airbus on the A350F program. This order, bringing our total commitment to four aircraft, marks a major milestone in our company’s growth and reflects our confidence in the future of sustainable air freight. The A350F will strengthen our leading position in the global air freight market as we continue to modernize our fleet and reduce our carbon footprint,” said Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines.

“This repeat order from Silk Way West Airlines, the largest cargo airline in the Caspian Sea region, is a great vote of confidence at a time when the A350F is physically taking shape in our assembly lines. The A350F will ensure the airline maintains its leading position in the global air freight market and further enables its key role in developing Azerbaijan as a major global cargo hub at the heart of the Silk Road,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the sector, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around industry-standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46-tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing model. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.

The A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes, and covers a range of up to 8,700 kilometres. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft delivers a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared to previous-generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability.

This milestone further strengthens Silk Way West Airlines’ mission to build a greener, more connected future for global logistics while contributing to Azerbaijan’s role as a key hub between East and West.