Silk Way West Airlines, the leading cargo airline in the Caspian and Central Asian region, has successfully transported 116 yaks from Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan on a Boeing 747-400F.

The yaks, vital to the agricultural biodiversity of Azerbaijan, traveled over 2,000 kilometres from Bishkek Manas International Airport to Ganja Airport.

To ensure the highest welfare standards, Silk Way West Airlines states the yaks were accommodated in custom-designed crates that protected from injury and stress.

The aircraft was equipped with advanced ventilation and temperature control systems to maintain an optimal environment throughout the journey.

This mission was requested by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan to bolster the yak’s breeding programme in Kalbajar.

Vugar Mammadov, vice president CIS and Central Asia at Silk Way West Airlines, said: “We are honoured to support sustainable agriculture and biodiversity through expert handling and transportation of live animals.

“This collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture underscores our commitment to enhancing local ecosystems and contributing to global sustainability efforts.”

Upon arrival, the yaks were carefully transported by truck to their new homes in the lush pastures of Kalbajar where they will contribute to local agricultural practices and enhance the genetic diversity of the region’s livestock.

Silk Way West Airlines has a longstanding history of managing complex live animal shipments having previously transported a variety of species including alpacas, kangaroos, dogs, horses, and European bison.

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