Azerbaijani cargo airline Silk Way West had placed a firm order for two of Boeing's next-generation 777 freighter. Through the order, Silk Way West becomes the first cargo customer for the 777-8F in the Eurasia region, according to the manufacturer. The order was previously listed as an unidentified customer in Boeing's order books, meaning that net orders won't increase.

Boeing officially launched the 777-8 freighter in January and has since taken more than 50 orders for the type. While the aircraft is still quite a way off, given the passenger variant of the 777-9 isn't due to be certified until 2024, the freighter version of the 777-8 may well come before the passenger variant.

"One of the world's first customers"

Silk Way West Airlines has placed a firm order for two Boeing 777-8Fs, with options for a further two aircraft. Commenting on the order, the Silk Way Group's President Zaur Akhundov remarked he was pleased to become one of the first customers of the Boeing 777-8F. He added,

"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."

Not all Boeing for long

While Silk Way West Airlines has been an all Boeing operator thus far, things won't stay that way for long. Earlier this year, Silk Way West defected to the competition. The company signed an order for two Airbus A350 Freighters on June 28th.

The airline is going to have to wait a little while before it takes these next-generation aircraft from either Airbus or Boeing. Both types remain uncertified, and neither an Airbus A350 freighter or a Boeing 777X freighter has even taken to the skies yet.

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About Silk Way West Airlines

Based in Baku, Azerbaijan, Silk Way West Airlines was founded in 2012. According to ch-aviation, the airline currently has 12 aircraft, 11 of which are active. These are,

• 7x active Boeing 747-400F
• 4x active Boeing 747-8F
• 1x Inactive Boeing 747-8F

The Boeing 747-400Fs have an average age of 21.1 years, while the younger Boeing 747-8Fs have an average age of 7.4 years. Boeing is set to end the Boeing 747 program for good this year, with the final aircraft already in the production process. Two Boeing 767-300 freighters were previously a part of the Silk Way West Airlines fleet, while the airline has a further five orders for the Boeing 777-200F.

What do you make of Boeing's latest 777X customer? let us know what you think and why in the comments below!

• 

  Boeing

  Stock Code:

  BA

  Date Founded:

  1916-07-15

  CEO:

  Dave Calhoun

  Headquarters Location:

  Chicago, USA

  Key Product Lines:

  Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787

  Business Type:

  Planemaker