Author: James Ronayne

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MAX 8s for Silk Way

Azerbaijani carrier Silk Way has place an order for ten Boeing 737 MAX 8s, valued at $1.1bn at current list prices.  The manufacturer had previously attributed the aircraft to an unidentified customer.

“Silk Way’s success and profitability is a direct result of investing in its fleet and services and growing its regional and international footprint,” said Zaur Akhundov, President, Silk Way Group of Companies.  “I am confident we will maintain our rate of growth, supported by ten new Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes.”

The airline currently operates eight Boeing aircraft – all freighters – consisting of two 767-300Fs, three 747-400Fs and three 747-8Fs.

Marty Bentrott, Vice Oresident of Sales, Middle East, Turkey, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “We are very pleased to expand our partnership with Silk Way with this airplane order.  We value our partnership with Silk Way and are grateful for their enduring confidence in the Boeing products.”

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HIA Joins the Elite

Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) has become just the sixth facility in the world to receive Skytrax’s ‘5-Star Airport’ ranking.  The rating is awarded by the London-based aviation institute to airports providing first class facilities for its passengers combined with excellent service from airport staff.  It takes into account the front-line areas for departures, arrival and transfer, including airport facilities, customer service, security, immigration, shopping outlets and food and beverage facilities.  Doha joins Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo/Haneda and Munich as five star facilities.

Engineer Badr Mohammed Al Meer, COO of HIA, said: “Joining the elite of airports and being the first airport in the Middle East to earn five stars from Skytrax is an honour, and a direct result of the thousands of people who ensure HIA operates smoothly every day, every flight.  No matter how long our guests are with us, we strive to make their journey flawless and memorable.  This acknowledgement is highly gratifying, and will continue to motivate us to create an exceptional experience for everyone.”

HIA, which has only been operational for three years, has enjoyed several strategic milestones over the past 12 months, including the launch of its iBeacon enabled mobile app, the introduction of the dual passenger train shuttle to concourses D and E and the opening of multiple duty free stores.

The Qatari airport also enjoyed success at the 2017 Skytrax World Airport Awards, held in Amsterdam where it was named the “Best Airport in the Middle East” for the third consecutive year and awarded “Best Staff Service in the Middle East” for the second year running.