Boeing and Silk Way Airlines celebrated the delivery of the airline's two 747-8 Freighters. Both new 747-8 Freighters will bring new levels of efficiency to the Baku, Azerbaijan-based cargo carrier.

"We strive to be a successful and profitable cargo operator by investing in our fleet and our services, and by continuing to increase our regional and international footprint," said Zaur Akhundov, president, SW Holding, parent company of Silk Way Airlines. "The delivery of our new 747-8 Freighters is a sound step forward in that direction."

Silk Way Airlines is considered as one of the leading cargo carriers in the region, providing full-fledged services to Europe, the United Kingdom and Middle East, as well as the Far East including South Korea, China and Hong Kong. In addition, the carrier also serves international destinations through a network of alliances, operating 747-400 Freighters and 767-300 Freighters.

"We are very proud of our continued partnership with Silk Way Airlines and today we have double the reasons to celebrate," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales, Middle East, Russia, and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 747-8 Freighter is the most efficient large freighter in service and the two new airplanes will now serve some of the world's high-growth markets."

The new 747-8 Freighter gives cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics in its class while providing enhanced environmental performance. The airplane is optimized to provide greater revenue cargo-carrying capability than the 747-400, offering 16 percent more cargo volume while keeping its iconic nose door. With more than 340,000 hours in service, the 747-8 Freighters are achieving performance milestones with customers. To date, Boeing has delivered 49 747-8 Freighters.