LONDON – This could be seen as a historic deal, as this is the first major airline from the Caucasus region to sign a purchase agreement for Airbus’s latest freighter aircraft, the A350.
This deal was concluded in Toulouse France on the 28th of June 2022. The airline itself is based in Baku Azerbaijan and is committed to bringing its competitiveness to another level, with the new A350F aircraft.
Mr. Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines said the following about the deal:
“We are delighted to sign the first but surely not the last agreement with Airbus, which marks the start of what I am sure will be a very fruitful partnership as we strive for future growth.”
“Today, our guests witnessed a defining moment in Silk Way West Airlines’ history. I am confident of the success that the acquisition of these new aircraft will bring us.”
“The signing of this agreement marks a new milestone in the growth of our company. There is no doubt that this agreement will strengthen the company’s leading position in the global air freight market over the next 15-20 years,”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International also said the following:
“I welcome Silk Way West Airlines as a new Airbus customer. The A350F is a game-changer in efficiency and sustainability for the cargo operations of the future.”
“We look forward to demonstrating how positively the economics and environmental signature of the A350s will stand out versus older generation aircraft.”
The A350F is the newest passenger-to-cargo conversion aircraft there is, and it is expected to go against Boeing’s flagship cargo aircraft the 777F.
The A350F aircraft itself isis based on the award-winning A350 aircraft. The A350 is equipped with a large main cargo door on the front and is able to carry and unload/offload heavy cargoes like its competitors.
Its airframe, of which 70% is comprised of a special material results in 30 tonnes lighter take-off weight than the more fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines, thus generating 20% lower carbon dioxide burnt per flight.
The aircraft has a payload capacity of 109 tonnes, which is 3 tonnes more and 11% more capacity than its head-to-head rival.
The A350F will soon shake up the cargo status quo of Boeing dominance. This new aircraft will be a viable and strong competitor against the Boeing 777F. The A350F is also an aircraft which also supports the ICAOs initiative of Co2 reductions.
Ths A350F was launched back in 2021, the A350F totals 31 orders and commitments from 6 operators.
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