Silk Way West Airlines takes delivery of first Boeing 777 freighter

Silk Way West Airlines' first Boeing 777 Freighter arrived at Heydar Aliyev International Airport today as the airline becomes the newest operator of the world's largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter. The 777 Freighter will enable Silk Way West to increase its capacity to meet growing cargo demand around the globe.

"Delivery of this aircraft marks a defining moment in our strategic plan to make Silk Way West Airlines greener, more fuel efficient, and better positioned for growth from conception to reality," said Fadi Nahas, vice president of Silk Way West Airlines, Americas. "This expansion of the fleet will open up opportunities for Silk Way West Airlines to boost the volume of flights and extend our reach to additional strategic destinations, reflecting the growing importance of our home base of Baku as a regional and global transportation hub."

Designed to integrate smoothly with existing cargo operations, the 777 Freighter will provide Azerbaijan-based Silk Way West with enhanced efficiency and operational flexibility. With a range of 9,200 kilometers, the 777 Freighter can carry a maximum structural payload of 107,000 kilograms, allowing operators to make fewer stops and reduce landing fees on long-haul routes. The airplane's large fuselage diameter allows carriers to transport tall and outsized cargo loads on 3-meter-tall pallets, and its main deck side cargo door is 3.72 meters wide, allowing convenient loading of taller and wider cargo.

The enhanced fuel efficiency of the 777 Freighter, along with the airline's recent selection of the 777-8 Freighter, will support the carrier's near- and long-term sustainability goals.

"With the global air cargo fleet expected to grow by more than 60% over the next 20 years, the unmatched efficiency of the 777 Freighter will boost Silk Way West's capabilities and allow them to further scale their world-class cargo operations," said Paul Righi, Boeing vice president Sales, Eurasia. "We are honored to strengthen our partnership as Silk Way West continues to build its freighter fleet."

The 777 Freighter is Boeing's top-selling freighter of all time. Customers from around the world have ordered 319 777 Freighters since the program began in 2005. As the market leader in cargo airplanes, Boeing provides more than 90% of the worldwide dedicated freighter capacity, including new-production and converted airplanes.