Silk Way West Airlines celebrates 10th anniversary of flights to Japan

Silk Way West Airlines marks 10 years of operations in Japan, highlighting the importance of the Japanese market in its international network and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the development of international cargo air transportation.

Since operating its first flight on the Baku–Komatsu route in 2016, the airline has expanded its route network in Japan to include Kansai and Narita destinations. Currently, Silk Way West Airlines operates two weekly flights to Japan, providing a vital cargo link between Japan and the airline's broader international network.

Over the past ten years, Silk Way West Airlines has operated approximately 1,300 flights to Japanese destinations and transported more than 145,000 tonnes of cargo. These results underscore the significance of the Japanese market for the airline and the sustainable nature of its presence in the region.

The 10th anniversary of Silk Way West Airlines' flights to Japan coincides with a period of sustained growth in the Japanese air cargo market. In 2025, its volumes are estimated to have exceeded the previous year's figures by approximately 12%. As one of Asia's leading aviation cargo hubs, Japan plays an important role in facilitating regional and intercontinental trade flows thanks to its developed infrastructure, regular international connections, and strong focus on the transportation of high-value and time-sensitive cargo.

Leveraging its hub in Baku, Silk Way West Airlines facilitates the development of cargo flows between Japan and markets in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and other regions.

To mark the 10th anniversary of flights, a celebratory event was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, attended by partners, representatives of civil aviation authorities, embassies, and government bodies.

Commenting on the occasion, Silk Way Group President Zaur Akhundov stated: "A decade of flights to Japan is an important testament to the strong partnerships that Silk Way West Airlines has built in this market over the years. We greatly value the trust of our clients and partners in Japan and intend to further strengthen this cooperation by developing reliable cargo routes between our regions."

Japan remains a strategically important market for Silk Way West Airlines and holds a special place in strengthening trade links between East and West.

About Silk Way West Airlines

Founded in 2012 in Baku, at the heart of the Great Silk Road, Silk Way West Airlines operates hundreds of flights monthly worldwide, utilizing a fleet of Boeing 777F, 747-8F, and 747-400F freighter aircraft based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. In line with its sustainability and efficiency principles, the airline plans to modernize its fleet by 2030 with Boeing 777F, Boeing 777-8F, and Airbus A350F aircraft. Silk Way West Airlines provides a full range of cargo services to more than 40 destinations across Europe, the CIS, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, transporting over 500,000 tonnes of cargo annually.