The 10th Caspian Air Cargo Summit, hosted by Silk Way West Airlines at the Baku Convention Centre, concluded with record participation and major announcements, reinforcing Azerbaijan's role as a key logistics hub, reports Wisconsin's Aviation Pros.

Over 400 delegates from more than 45 countries attended the summit, including executives from DSV, Boeing, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Atlas Air Worldwide, ACL Airshop, Hactl and Kales Group. Discussions focused on the future of air cargo, logistics and multimodal transport.

Silk Way Group unveiled its growth strategy centred on the Alat Free Economic Zone Airport & Cargo Village, a 750-hectare facility integrating air, sea, road and rail links. Construction is due to finish by end-2026, with operations starting in early 2027.

Within this framework, Silk Way announced a joint venture with dnata for ground handling, a memorandum with ExecuJet for business aviation and FBO services, and plans for a Gulfstream regional service centre at the new airport.

Silk Way West Airlines is renewing its fleet with 10 Boeing 777 and four Airbus A350 freighters, aiming to maintain one of the youngest and most efficient long-haul cargo fleets globally.

Conference sessions explored the rise of the Middle Corridor in global trade, digital innovation, sustainable aviation and investment prospects across Central Eurasia.

Mr Zaur Akhundov, President of Silk Way Group, said the summit reflects the industry's dynamism and Azerbaijan's growing role in global logistics. The event, launched in 2006 and organised by Euroavia International, is now the leading airfreight forum in Central Asia and the Caucasus.