Silk Way Group and dnata launch strategic joint venture to create aviation service hub in Azerbaijan

Silk Way Group, a leading private aviation and logistics company based in Azerbaijan, has signed an agreement to create a joint venture with dnata, a global leader in aviation and travel services, with the goal of organizing ground handling and cargo operations at the new Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

The launch of the joint venture is planned to coincide with the opening of the new terminal in April 2027 and will make a significant contribution to the development of Azerbaijan's aviation and logistics sectors. Combining dnata's global experience and Silk Way Group's leadership in the local market, the partners will create a comprehensive center in the country for providing full-cycle aviation services.

The infrastructure of the new airport will allow processing more than 500,000 tons of cargo per year, with an annual growth in volume projected at 5% over the next decade.

In the initial stage, the joint venture will focus on cargo operations and ground handling, and later expand the range of services to include catering, freight forwarding, anti-icing procedures, and other areas. This will create a single service center for airlines and airport clients, ensuring the highest level of efficiency and service.

The project will create more than 1,000 jobs and will contribute to the development of professional skills, opening new long-term opportunities for specialists in Azerbaijan's aviation industry.

The company dnata is a long-standing partner of Silk Way Group and currently provides Silk Way West Airlines with a range of services in five countries, annually handling 1,150 flights and processing 85,000 tons of cargo.

dnata's CEO Steve Allen noted: "Our joint venture with Silk Way Group is an important step in expanding dnata's global presence and supporting the dynamic development of the Caucasus region. The new airport in Baku will become a key cargo transportation hub, and our investments will provide airlines and logistics partners with safe, high-quality, and reliable services from day one.

He also added: "Beyond operational excellence, this project reflects our long-term strategy of providing comprehensive aviation solutions in promising markets. We look forward to continuing our successful cooperation with Silk Way Group to contribute to the development of Azerbaijan's aviation and logistics industries, business, and society as a whole."

In turn, Zaur Akhundov, President of Silk Way Group, noted: "Our partnership with dnata marks a new milestone in the development of Azerbaijan's aviation industry. Together, we are creating a modern ecosystem that will connect the Alat Free Economic Zone with the global aviation and logistics network. This joint venture represents not only an investment in infrastructure but also in people, creating new jobs, developing professional skills, and laying the foundation for sustainable growth. The opening of aviation services at Alat International Airport is a strategic step towards realizing our goal of transforming Azerbaijan into a leading regional hub."

Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone, will include 18 aircraft stands, a 4000-meter runway and taxiway, as well as an air traffic control center. The project aims to expand the country's transportation capabilities and stimulate comprehensive economic development of the surrounding region.

After the completion of construction work in 2027, the expanded Alat Free Economic Zone will become an important transit hub with integrated logistics infrastructure. The zone will gain direct access to the Baku International Commercial Sea Port and an extensive network of railways and highways, which together will expand Azerbaijan's transportation and distribution capabilities.

About dnata

dnata is a leading global provider of services in aviation and tourism. Founded in 1959, the company offers quality and safe ground handling, cargo transportation, travel organization, catering and retail services in more than 30 countries across six continents. In the 2024-2025