Silk Way West Airlines Transports Beluga Whales from Moldova to Spain
Azerbaijan-based cargo carrier Silk Way West Airlines has successfully transported two beluga whales from Moldova to Spain aboard one of its Illyushin IL-76 freighter aircraft. Originally from Ukraine, the whales were first moved to Moldova by land due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
To ensure the health and comfort of the whales throughout the journey, Silk Way West Airlines collaborated closely with animal care experts and veterinarians. The airline partnered with Oceanografic and international animal transporters specializing in marine mammals. The IL-76 aircraft was equipped with specialist tanks and secured slings for the safe transport of the whales.
Mustafa Azimov, First Deputy Director at Silk Way Airlines, praised the rescue team for their exceptional efforts during the operation. He highlighted the meticulous planning and execution that took about three months, ensuring the smooth and stress-free journey for the whales.
This was not the first instance of beluga whales being transported by air. In a notable operation, Cargolux successfully transported two former captive belugas, Little Grey and Little White, from China to Iceland.
About Silk Way West Airlines
Silk Way West Airlines, based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku, Azerbaijan, operates as a subsidiary of the Silk Way Group alongside its sister airline, Silk Way Airlines. The cargo airline's fleet includes 16 aircraft: ten Boeing 747s, four Ilyushin Il-76s, and two newly added Boeing 777 freighters. The newer Boeing 777Fs are gradually replacing the aging Boeing 747-400Fs.
Vugar Mammadov, Vice President of Silk Way Airlines, expressed pride in the addition of the Boeing 777Fs, emphasizing the airline's commitment to upholding high standards of safety and reliability while adapting to the evolving cargo transportation landscape. He is confident that the fleet renewal and expansion will strengthen the airline's position in the global airfreight market for the next 15-20 years.