SEATTLE – Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Silk Way Airlines, a cargo carrier based in Baku, Azerbaijan, today announced an order for two Boeing 747-8 Freighters valued at $704 million at current list prices.
Zaur Akhundov, president, SW Holding, parent company of Silk Way Airlines, said: "Silk Way Airlines' vision is to be a successful and profitable cargo operator by investing in its fleet and services and continuing to increase its regional and international footprint. The order for two Boeing 747-8 Freighters is a move in that direction."
Silk Way Airlines operates Boeing 747-400 Freighters and 767-300 Freighters with services to Europe, United Kingdom, Middle East and the Far East including Korea, China and Hong Kong. In addition, it also serves international destinations through a network of alliances.
Jahangir Askerov, president, Azerbaijan Airlines, and architect of the country's present day civil aviation industry, added: "One of the goals of the Azerbaijani government is to continue building Baku's strategic positioning as a trade hub.
"The addition of the new Boeing 747-8 Freighters will enable Silk Way Airlines to expand its operations and help the government achieve its objective."
Marty Bentrott, vice president for sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Middle East, Russia, and Central Asia, commented: "We are pleased that Silk Way Airlines has selected the 747-8 Freighters to serve some of the world's high growth markets.
"The 747-8 Freighter is the most efficient large freighter in the air and carries with it the 747 family's legacy of leadership in the air-cargo sector.
The new 747-8 Freighter is designed to provide 16 percent more cargo volume than the Boeing 747-400 Freighter. With more than 150,000 hours in service the aircraft maker delivered 36 747-8 Freighters to date.
