Silk Way’s new 767s

Baku, Azerbaijan-based Silk Way took delivery of its second 767-300ERF (4K-SW880, msn: 41069) last week. Both of these aircraft, a new type for Silk Way, were originally ordered by Azerbaijan Airlines in 2010, with the order announced (along with two 767-300ER Passenger aircraft) at the 2010 Farnborough Air Show. The freighters are operated for Azerbaijan Airlines by Silk Way, but are in the full Silk Way livery with Silk Way registrations.

Silk Way has a diverse fleet that includes a trio of 747-400Fs (all formerly Cargolux aircraft, one recently acquired but currently stored), ten IL-76s (including two IL-76-90s), four AN-12s, and now the two 767-300ERFs.

Baku’s location, not quite equidistant to London and Hong Kong, makes these new regional freighters a good choice for the carrier, who according to press releases will be looking to deploy them between the Asia and Europe with a stop in Azerbaijan, as well as to Middle Eastern and central Asian destinations.

As the name implies, Silk Way provides an aviation version of the ancient silk road. East Asian destinations include Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul, European destinations include Frankfurt (Hahn), London, and Luxembourg. Central Asian destinations are more numerous and include locations as diverse as Urumqi and Tbilisi. Silk Way is also a major operator into and out of Afghanistan in scheduled service and on behalf of NATO.

Curiously, this second freighter seems to have departed directly for Baku, rather than stopping at Atlanta for blended winglet installation by Delta Tech Ops. It’s possible that winglets will be fitted later by MNG Technic. Winglets were ordered for these aircraft earlier this year. Silk Way’s first 767 (4K-SW808, msn: 41068) departed Paine field for Atlanta and winglet installation on May 21st.

©Photographer: Alex Kwanten