As the COVID-19 vaccination process gets underway around the world, the issue of logistics has become crucial. According to International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac, “Safely delivering COVID-19 vaccines will be the mission of the century for the global air cargo industry”. In light of the importance and magnitude of the challenge for the air transportation industry, one of the market’s leading air cargo companies, Silk Way West Airlines, has prepared thoroughly in recent months and now confidently declares its readiness to take a leading role in the “Mission of the Century”.
Silk Way West Airlines has already operated more than 100 charter flights to deliver a range of medical supplies during the pandemic, and has now signed a number of ambitious contracts in preparation for the delivery of temperature-sensitive cargo. To ensure delivery of our life-saving freight, supplies are safely delivered to specially equipped warehouses, and are handled by personnel specifically trained for these unique conditions.
A group of experts led by Silk Way West Airlines Vice President Global Cargo Logistics Aydin Huseynov developed and implemented a plan to optimize all operational processes and introduce the latest logistics technologies for this undertaking, while the modernization of the 1500 m2 cargo terminal at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku was also organized. In preparation for the upcoming increase in the volume of temperature-sensitive cargo to be delivered, the refrigeration and freezer warehouse area was inspected and upgraded.
“We hope that the promptness of the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccines will contribute to the early return to a normal daily life for people all over the world,” said Aydin Huseynov. “I can confidently say that Silk Way West Airlines is fully ready to meet the global challenge of large-scale transportation of vaccines, as well as other types of cargo that require special temperature control. At the same time, internal procedures are being adapted in accordance with the GDP (Good Distribution Practice) standard, which is based on principles adopted by the EU and recommended by the World Health Organization,” the Vice President emphasized.
Silk Way West Airlines was founded in 2012 in Baku, at the heart of the Silk Road, and is the largest cargo airline in the Caspian Sea region. Based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the airline operates around 250 monthly regular and charter flights to over 50 destinations in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Silk Way West Airlines’ growing fleet consists of 15 Boeing 747-8F and Boeing 747-400F aircrafts equipped with the most advanced safety systems. Recognized by Boeing as having been the fastest-growing airline in terms of fleet size, geographic reach and cargo volume previously, the airline today ranks third in Europe by these three criteria, and is constantly expanding its route network, covering major airports in Europe and the CIS, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Asia.
