Seattle, Nov 10, 2022: Boeing and Silk Way Airlines have finalized an order of two 777-8 Freighters. The order includes options for two additional planes. They announced the agreement at a signing ceremony today at Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ Seattle Delivery Center.
Known to serve 40 destinations across the world, the Azerbaijani cargo carrier is the first customer in the Eurasia region to order the newest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter in the industry.The order was previously listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.
“We are pleased to announce this order with our longstanding partner Boeing and become one of the world’s first customers for the newest freighter,” said Zaur Akhundov, Silk Way Group president. “This year Silk Way West Airlines celebrates its 10th anniversary, and over the past decade, the carrier has been operating an all-Boeing fleet. 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.”
Launched in January 2022 itself, Boeing 777-8 Freighter has garnered more than 50 orders so far. The new 777-8 Freighter has remote capabilities that are exactly the same as the 747-400 Freighter, but with 30% more fuel efficiency and 25% less operating costs per ton. It is the perfect replacement for ageing fleets.
“With sustained demand for air cargo tied to expanding e-commerce and air freight’s speed and reliability, Boeing expects the global freighter fleet to increase by 60% through 2041,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are proud that Boeing products, including this order for the 777-8 Freighter, continue to drive Silk Way West Airlines’ expansion plans and help realize the ambition of making Baku a global cargo hub.”
Boeing provides the vast majority of the world’s dedicated freighter capacity, including new production and converted aircraft.
