Baku, Azerbaijan-based Silk Way West Airlines has signed a purchase agreement for two Airbus A350Fs.

The deal marks the first order Airbus has received from the Caspian region for this aircraft type.

Silk Way West said its aim was to modernise and grow its existing fleet.

“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,” said Silk Way West Airlines’ president Wolfgang Meier.

“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.”

Airbus’ chief commercial officer and head of Airbus International Christian Scherer commented: “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.”