Summary

  • Silk Way West Airlines transported two beluga whales from Moldova to Spain, showcasing their commitment to animal welfare.
  • The freighter aircraft was equipped with specialist tanks and secure slings to ensure the whales’ safety during travel.
  • The operation was a success thanks to the collaborative efforts of the rescue team, crew, and experts involved.

The Azerbaijan-based cargo carrier Silk Way West Airlines has flown two beluga whales from Moldova to Spain onboard one of its Illyushin IL-76 freighter aircraft. Originally from Ukraine, the whales were first moved to Moldova by land because direct flights to Ukraine were impossible due to Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Unique travelers

To transport two beluga whales, the Azerbaijani cargo carrier collaborated closely with animal care experts and veterinarians to ensure the whales’ health and comfort throughout the flight. Notably, Silk Way West Airlines partnered with Oceanografic and a group of international animal transporters specializing in marine mammals.

The two whales were transported using the carrier’s IL-76 aircraft, which was equipped with specialist tanks and secured slings for their safe transport.

Commenting on this delicate operation, Mustafa Azimov, First Deputy Director at Silk Way Airlines, said in a statement seen by the STAT Times:

“I would like to thank the entire rescue team engaged in this mission, especially the crew, for their exceptional efforts during takeoff, flight, and landing. They ensured the journey was smooth and stress-free for the animals, and delivered them safely to their new home.

Silk Way West Airlines Boeing 747

Photo: StudioPortoSabbia | Shutterstock

“This operation was very difficult and sensitive, but together we undertook a painstaking job that lasted about three months in total, ensuring it would be a success. We are proud to have been part of this unique mission to rescue these two magnificent whales.”

It is worth noting that this was not the first time beluga whales were transported by air. Cargolux previously completed a successful 6,000-mile flight from China to Iceland, transporting two former captive belugas, Little Grey and Little White.

More about Silk Way West Airlines

Silk Way West Airlines is an Azerbaijani cargo carrier based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku, Azerbaijan. It operates as a subsidiary of the Silk Way Group alongside its sister airline, Silk Way Airlines.

According to Planespotters.net data, the cargo airline currently has a total of 16 aircraft in its fleet, including ten Boeing 747s, four Ilyushin Il-76s, and two Boeing 777 freighters, the newest additions to Silk Way’s fleet.

A Silk Way Airlines Boeing 777 freighter taking off

The newer Boeing 777 freighters have been replacing the carrier’s aging Boeing 747-400Fs. Commenting on the addition of Boeing 777Fs, Silk Way Airlines Vice President Vugar Mammadov said at the time:

“We are immensely proud to witness this momentous occasion as our new aircraft, the Boeing 777F, stretches its wings for the first time. This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for our airline as we continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and reliability while embracing the evolving landscape of cargo transportation. I am confident that our fleet renewal and expansion will further strengthen the company’s leading position in the global airfreight market for the next 15-20 years.”

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Why Does Azerbaijan Have Such A Large Cargo Fleet?

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