Silk Way West Airlines celebrates 10 years of operations to Japan

Silk Way West Airlines is marking the 10th anniversary of its operations to Japan, underlining the importance of the Japanese market within its international network and reaffirming its long-term commitment to cargo connectivity through Baku.

Since launching its inaugural Baku–Komatsu flight in 2016, the airline has expanded its Japan network to include Kansai and Narita. It currently operates two weekly flights to the country, providing an important cargo link between Japan and Silk Way West Airlines’ wider international network.

Over the past decade, Silk Way West Airlines has operated around 1,300 flights to and from Japan and transported more than 145,000 tons of cargo, underscoring both the scale of its operations and the depth of its commitment to the market.

The milestone comes as Japan’s air cargo market continues to grow, with 2025 volumes estimated to be around 12% higher than in 2024. As one of Asia’s leading air cargo gateways, Japan plays a vital role in connecting regional and intercontinental trade flows, supported by advanced infrastructure, frequent international links and a strong focus on high-value, time-sensitive goods.

Through its hub in Baku, Silk Way West Airlines 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 marked at a celebration event at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, attended by partners, civil aviation authorities, embassies and government officials.

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.”

Japan remains a strategically important market for Silk Way West Airlines and an important part of the airline’s broader vision to strengthen trade links between East and West through Baku.