Cargo carrier Silk Way West Airlines has received the first of five Boeing 777 freighter aircraft.
The new 777 arrived at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Azerbaijan on October 3, 2023.
Described by Boeing as the “world’s largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter,” the 777 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.
Silk Way West Airlines signed the purchase agreement for five Boeing 777 freighters in April 2021 and in November 2022 the carrier ordered two 777-8 freighters with options for two more.
“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 has a range of 9,200 kilometers and can carry a maximum structural payload of 107,000 kilograms.
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 (12 feet) wide, allowing convenient loading of taller and wider cargo.
The 777 Freighter is Boeing’s top-selling freighter of all time with 317 ordered since the program began in 2005.