Silk Way West Airlines has flown 100 yaks more than 2,000 kilometres from Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan as part of a wildlife reintroduction project.

The herd was transported from Bishkek Manas International Airport to Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

The freight airline said the transport was completed in accordance with the request of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The yaks were all delivered safely to their destination, and were subsequently transported to their new pastures by truck from the airport.

Silk Way West Airlines has successfully handled numerous live animal shipments in the past, in accordance with all IATA regulations, including the transportation of alpacas, kangaroos, dogs, horses and European bison.

The animals travel in an air-conditioned and ventilated environment thanks to ventilation and temperature control systems. The yaks were transported in special cages designed to ensure that they were not exposed to any risk of injury during the flight and remained under veterinary supervision throughout their journey to ensure their wellbeing.

“We are proud to be involved in projects like this, contributing to the preservation of a sustainable and biodiverse environment worldwide,” said Silk Way West Airlines’ vice-president CIS and Central Asia Vugar Mammadov.

“Thanks to experienced crew and accompanying veterinarians, we were able to transport safely the yaks to their new home in Azerbaijan. We thank the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan for their trust in our work.”