Private cargo operator Silk Way West Airlines has ordered five 777 Freighters.

Manufacturer Boeing said it represented the first purchase of the long-range, high capacity twin-engine freighter in the Caspian region and Central Asia.

Silk Way said the aircraft would allow it to increase capacity to meet growing cargo demand. “This deal is an incremental part of our fleet renewal and our commitment to meet our customers’ expectations,” said Silk Way Group president Zaur Akhundov.

“I am confident that the acquisition of new freighters will further strengthen our leading position on the global air freight market for the next 15 to 20 years.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal commented: “Silk Way West Airlines has been rapidly expanding the geographic reach of its network.

“With the global air freight market forecasted to grow more than 60 per cent over the next 20 years, this new order bolsters their ability to meet trade and e-commerce demand in the Commonwealth of Independent States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.”