Boeing and Azerbaijan-based Silk Way West are working on finalizing a deal for three 747-8Fs. Boeing said that once all contingencies have been removed, the contract will be worth more than $1.1 billion at current list prices (although airlines typically negotiate substantial discounts from list).
Silk Way West, named for the historic silk trading route between Europe and Asia, currently operates two 767-300Fs, three 747-400Fs and two 747-8Fs from its hub in Baku. The carrier expects delivery of the new aircraft in 2015 and 2016. Sister carrier Silk Way Airlines operates seven Il-76 and three An-12 freighters.
“We value our partnership with Silk Way West and are grateful for their enduring confidence in Boeing and the 747-8 freighter,” said Marty Bentrott, vice president for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia sales at Boeing.