Silk Way West Airlines has signed an order with GE Aerospace for a total of 16 GE9X and GE90 engines to power its new fleet of long-haul Boeing aircraft. The new engines, the world’s most powerful models will contribute to the Azerbaijani cargo airline’s sustainability goals by reducing its fuel consumption.
Silk Way West Airlines recently announced the purchase of two Boeing 777-8F, which will be powered by GE9X engines, and will receive additional GE90 engines for five Boeing 777F ordered in April 2021. The order comprises five GE9X and eleven GE90 engines in total and further contributes to the modernization of the carrier’s cargo fleet.
The GE9X is the most powerful aircraft engine in history and the quietest model ever produced by GE. It will deliver a fuel consumption improvement of up to ten per cent compared to the GE90-115B, and like all GE commercial engines, both the GE9X and GE90 are compatible with any approved sustainable aviation fuel. The new engines will therefore not only enhance Silk Way West Airlines’ operational performance but also contribute to its strategy of increased cargo transport sustainability.
During the signing ceremony, Zaur Akhundov, President of Silk Way Group, highlighted the importance of the relationship with GE Aerospace, saying: “We are pleased to continue our longstanding successful cooperation with GE Aerospace. The signing of this agreement marks the strengthening of our relationship.
Thanks to this, Silk Way West Airlines will move confidently into a sustainable future with a more efficient fleet that meets the highest emissions and noise standards. We believe this partnership expansion will help us meet our long-term strategy of sustainable growth as well as our environmental commitments, and will continue to improve services for our valued customers.”
“The GE9X engine offers a combination of performance and fuel efficiency that is unmatched in its class,” said Kathy Mackenzie, President and CEO, Commercial Engine Operations at GE Aerospace. “We are proud to expand our relationship with Silk Way West as they continue to modernize their fleet for cargo operations.”
Founded in 2012 in Baku, at the heart of the Silk Road, Silk Way West Airlines operates hundreds of monthly flights across the globe via its fleet of 12 dedicated Boeing 747-8F and 747-400F aircraft based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. On April 28, 2021, Silk Way West Airlines signed a strategic fleet expansion agreement with Boeing for the purchase of five new 777 Freighters, followed by a further agreement signed on November 10, 2022, for the purchase of two state-of-the-art 777-8 Freighters.
Silk Way West Airlines also agreed to the purchase of two A350 Freighters with Airbus on June 28, 2022. The airline’s annual cargo turnover exceeds 500,000 tons, while its growing route network covers over 40 destinations across Europe, the CIS, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Asia, and the Americas.
About GE Aerospace GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and military aircraft with a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aerospace and its joint ventures have the installed base of more than 39,000 commercial and 26,000 military aircraft engines, and the business is playing a vital role in shaping the future of flight.
