Silk Way West Airlines is a cargo airline based in Azerbaijan that specializes in international freight services. Founded in 2008, it is the leading cargo airline in the Caucasus region, and operates a fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
The airline was established in 2008, with the launch of its first flight from Baku, Azerbaijan to Istanbul, Turkey on August 1, 2008. After the successful launch of this new air cargo service, Silk Way West Airlines began expanding its operations and route network. From 2008 to 2012, the airline opened new offices in Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, and began operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
The airline's fleet consists of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, including Boeing 747-400F, Boeing 767-300F, Airbus A310F, and Airbus A320F.Silk Way West has a total of 17 aircraft in its fleet, which is used to transport cargo to over 25 destinations in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The airline has achieved several significant milestones in its 12-year history. In 2009, Silk Way West became the first cargo airline in the Caucasus region to receive the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification from the International Air Transport Association. This certification is a global benchmark for airline safety and operational efficiency. In 2010, the airline was also awarded the Georgia Civil Aviation Administration's certificate as an air operator.
In 2011, the airline opened its own cargo terminal in Baku, Azerbaijan. The 5,000 square meter facility is equipped with modern technology and serves as the main hub for Silk Way West's cargo operations. The following year, the airline became the first cargo airline in the Caucasus to receive the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 145 certification, which ensures maintenance quality and safety standards.
In 2014, Silk Way West Airlines received the prestigious 4-Star Airline rating from Skytrax, the world's leading airline and airport review organization. This recognition was a major milestone for the airline, as it was the first cargo airline in the Caucasus region to receive this rating.
In 2017, Silk Way West Airlines was the victim of a cyber-attack, which resulted in the leak of sensitive customer and financial data. The airline was able to mitigate the damage quickly, and no customer data was compromised.
Despite these challenges, Silk Way West Airlines has continued to expand its operations and route network. It currently operates flights to over 25 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, and has become one of the most important air cargo carriers in the Caucasus region.
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