Silk Way West Airlines marks a decade of cargo operations in Japan

The celebration of ten years of continuous operations in Japan marks a significant chapter in the history of Silk Way West Airlines, reinforcing the vital role the Japanese market plays within its international network. This milestone is a reaffirmation of a long-term commitment to enhancing cargo connectivity through the airline’s primary hub in Baku. Since launching its inaugural Baku–Komatsu flight in 2016, the airline has expanded its Japan network to include Kansai and Narita. By maintaining its current schedule of two weekly flights, the carrier provides an important cargo link between Japan and Silk Way West Airlines’ wider global reach.

Over the course of the past decade, Silk Way West Airlines has successfully operated around 1,300 flights to and from Japan and transported more than 145,000 tonnes of cargo. These figures underscore both the scale of its operations and the depth of its commitment to the market. The achievement comes as the Japanese air cargo market continues to grow, with 2025 volumes estimated to be around 12% higher than in 2024. As one of Asia’s leading gateways, Japan plays a vital role in connecting trade flows, supported by advanced infrastructure and a focus on high-value, time-sensitive goods.

Through its hub in Baku, the airline supports onward connectivity for Japan-linked shipments across regional markets, helping facilitate cargo flows between Japan and destinations across Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and beyond. The anniversary was recently marked at a celebration event at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, attended by partners, civil aviation authorities, embassies and government officials. Japan remains a strategically important market and a core part of the airline’s broader vision to strengthen trade links between East and West through Azerbaijan.

Commenting on the occasion, Zaur Akhundov, President of Silk Way Group, said: “This 10-year milestone reflects the strong partnership Silk Way West Airlines has built in Japan over the past decade. We greatly value the trust of our customers, partners and stakeholders in Japan, and we remain committed to strengthening this cooperation and supporting cargo connectivity between our regions in the years ahead.”