AerCap signs lease deal with Azerbaijan Airlines for six new Airbus A320NEO family aircraft

AerCap has confirmed it has signed lease agreements with Azerbaijan Airlines for six new Airbus CFM LEAP powered aircraft, including three A320neos and three A321neos which are scheduled to deliver in 2026.

The lease agreements were signed by Samir Rzayev, President of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC, and Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap.

"AerCap is delighted to welcome AZAL as a new customer and support them with their ongoing fleet and network expansion," said Peter Anderson, the Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap. "The A320neo and A321neo are among the most desirable and in-demand aircraft in the world and will not only enable AZAL to serve more customers across more destinations but will also support their commitment to modernizing their fleet with the most technologically advanced fuel-efficient aircraft on the market. We wish the AZAL team every success with their expansion plans and look forward to a long and successful partnership."

"The signing of these six leases significantly expands our fleet replacement, in particular with the popular A321neo. These aircraft are intended to meet the evolving needs of our passengers, providing them with maximum comfort and convenience, while also contributing to the expansion of our airline's route network. We aim to create better travel opportunities and meet customer expectations by opening new destinations and improving service quality. In addition, the document signed with a major company like AerCap further demonstrates AZAL's strong credibility in the international aviation market," said Samir Rzayev, AZAL President.

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CDB Aviation Leases Two New A320neos to New Customer Azerbaijan Airlines

CDB Aviation, has confirmed the execution of lease agreements for two Airbus A320neo aircraft with a new customer and one of the largest carriers in the Commonwealth of Independent States (the “CIS”) countries, Azerbaijan's national air carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines.

The A320-251 aircraft will be scheduled to be delivered in June and July 2025 and will support the airline’s fleet renewal strategy targeted to equip the carrier with the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.

“This new partnership with AZAL is an important milestone for our platform, as it marks our very first transaction within Azerbaijan, as well as the addition of a new customer in the region,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are confident that the selection of these latest generation A320neo Family aircraft will further boost AZAL’s sustainable growth, providing passengers with excellent comfort throughout its fleet.”

“The signing of these two leases marks the start of our fleet replacement to the most modern aircraft and interiors. Our passengers will be delighted with what can be achieved in the NEO cabin, with their increased comfort and enjoyment. It’s been a pleasure working with CDB Aviation, and we look forward to taking delivery of the Airbus aircraft in the summer of 2025,” said AZAL President, Samir Rzayev.

“I would like to thank the AZAL and CDB Aviation teams for their excellent collaboration on both sides of this transaction and their outstanding efforts, hard work, and dedication in getting these lease agreements over the finish line,” added Chen.

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Heydar Aliyev International Airport special spotting event.....

Heydar Aliyev International Airport, together with the national air carrier of Azerbaijan AZAL, are holding a special aircraft spotting event on June 22, 2024.

A unique opportunity will be created for professional and amateur aviation photographers to capture in photographs the takeoff and landing of aircraft of the airport’s partner airlines, their towing, and the work of the airport’s ground services. Participants will also be able to visit AZAL aircraft and get acquainted with the updated design and comfort of the aircraft.

The event will be accompanied by employees of the Main Aviation Security Directorate.

Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required to attend the event. Applications are accepted from June 11 to June 20 via a special form available at the link: https://forms.gle/GtCit8X7R6LPsBgm8. A response confirming participation in the event will be sent after reviewing the application.

Please note that all aviation enthusiasts over 18 years of age can take part in spotting.

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Comarch and Azerbaijan Airlines partner to enhance AZAL Miles loyalty programme

Comarch, a global provider of advanced IT systems, has begun implementing its Comarch Loyalty Management platform for Azerbaijan Airlines, the national carrier of Azerbaijan. With this implementation, travellers will benefit from the innovative AZAL Miles loyalty programme by earning points and redeeming them for desirable rewards.

Azerbaijan Airlines selected Comarch due to its extensive experience in the field. With over 15 years of expertise, the Krakow-based company has been delivering IT solutions for creating and managing comprehensive B2C and B2B loyalty programs, as well as automating marketing activities. Comarch also boasts a wealth of experience in collaborating with airlines, having established partnerships with carriers from Turkey, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.

The AZAL Miles programme is being developed using the Comarch Loyalty Management platform. The project encompasses the implementation of modules such as:

Business Administration

Contact Center

Data Hub

AZAL Miles caters to frequent travellers, enabling them to accumulate points for flights or services offered by airline partners. The number of points earned depends on the amount spent in euros, travel direction, and service class. Members of the AZAL Miles programme can earn points also through their co-branded card bank partners, which can then be exchanged for Azerbaijan Airlines flight tickets and other rewards. As of now, the AZAL Miles program has more than 200,000 members.

Azerbaijan Airlines

Established in 1992, Azerbaijan Airlines is the national carrier of Azerbaijan. With a fleet comprising 29 aircraft, and flights to over 50 destinations, the airline is experiencing dynamic growth with 50.8% increase in overall passenger transportation in Q1 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Azerbaijan Airlines has earned a 4-star rating from Skytrax, reflecting its high-quality service in airport and onboard aspects.

Comarch

Internationally recognized as a leading provider of technology solutions, Comarch specializes in delivering advanced loyalty platforms. Its flagship Comarch Loyalty Management platform facilitates the creation and management of customer engagement and rewards, streamlining the effective management of participant data and supporting omnichannel communication.

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Azerbaijan Airlines is finalizing deal for 8 Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets

Boeing and Azerbaijan Airlines are finalizing a deal for eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jets to help the carrier open up new routes from Azerbaijan and boost capacity for inbound tourism. 

Jahangir Asgarov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines, and Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes signed the deal at the airline's hub in Baku. 

"The successful development of the country's civil aviation has become possible thanks to the continuous support and attention of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. The signing of a contract with Boeing for the purchase of modern wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliners is an important step in modernizing the fleet and increasing the level of AZAL air transportation," said Asgarov.

"The 787 has helped position Azerbaijan Airlines as the leading carrier across Central Asia, with the airplane's flexibility and capability opening Azerbaijan up to increased tourism and economic growth," said Deal. "For more than 20 years we have enjoyed a tremendous partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines and this order for Dreamliners is a testament to the strength of our product family and the relationship between our companies."

The 787-8's range reaches up to 13,530 km in a typical two-class configuration, enabling Azerbaijan Airlines to grow its network across Europe, Asia and beyond. 

Azerbaijan Airlines is one of the largest carriers in Central Asia, serving 40 destinations across 25 countries, with a fleet that includes Boeing 757, 767 and 787 jets.

Azerbaijan Airlines orders 12 A320neo Family aircraft

The Azerbaijan flag carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 12 A320neo Family aircraft including A320neo and A321neo. The contract was signed at a ceremony held in Baku.

These latest generation A320neo Family aircraft are part of the company’s fleet renewal strategy to operate the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft, and increase operational efficiency and competitiveness while offering passengers excellent comfort throughout its fleet. The engine choice will be announced by the airline at a later stage.

“We are pleased to continue mutually beneficial cooperation with Airbus on the modernization program of our fleet and intend to strengthen the bilateral partnership. The signed contract will provide our passengers with the most modern and comfortable single-aisle aircraft," First Vice-President of AZAL CJSC Samir Rzayev said.

This order marks an important milestone in the fruitful relationship between Airbus and Azerbaijan Airlines,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “The A320neo Family continues to be a top choice for airlines looking for fuel-efficient and cost-effective fleet solutions. This order is a testament to the trust our customers have in the performance and reliability of our aircraft. We are confident that this choice will further boost the sustainable growth of Azerbaijan Airlines.”

Currently, Azerbaijan Airlines operates a fleet of 15 Airbus aircraft (4 A319ceo, 6 A320ceo, 2 A340s and since the beginning of the year, 3 new generation A320neo). The airline plans. to deploy efficient A320neo Family aircraft to further develop its domestic and international route network.

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 20 percent fuel burn and CO2 emission saving. With some 8,700 orders from 135 customers, the A320neo Family is the world’s most popular aircraft.   

Samarkand International Airport (SKD) it has welcomed the first flight by Azerbaijan Airlines.

Photo Azerbaijan Airlines

Air Marakanda - the operator of the newly modernized Samarkand International Airport (SKD) - has welcomed the first flight by Azerbaijan Airlines. The flight arrived at 00:00 on 5 October.

The inaugural flight was greeted by the traditional water cannons accompanying the aircraft on the airport’s taxiways. To celebrate the new connection a ceremony was held - welcoming the flight’s passengers with Uzbek music.

Representatives of Air Marakanda and Azerbaijan Airlines jointly cut a ceremonial ribbon to formally confirm the partnership. Among the ceremony’s guests were Uzbek and Azeri dignitaries, including Samarkand’s Deputy Governor of Tourism, and the head of Azerbaijan’s Samarkand-based diaspora.

Artyom Pak, CCO of airport management company, Air Marakanda LLC, said:   "We look forward to welcoming guests and travellers from Azerbaijan serviced by our valued partner Azerbaijan Airlines. Facilitating transportation between Baku and Samarkand via this new route will be mutually beneficial to Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, strengthening our countries’ cultural and commercial links. Opening another gateway also improves Central Asia’s connectivity, with Samarkand as a core tourist destination for both regional and international visitors."

Azerbaijan Airlines signs MoU for four Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Boeing and Azerbaijan Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for four additional fuel-efficient 787-8s at the Farnborough International Airshow, this week. The Azerbaijan flag carrier currently operates two 787-8s, with today's announcement the airline intends to grow its Dreamliner fleet to 10 by 2030, enabling it to open new routes across Central Asia.

"Azerbaijan Airlines was the first airline in the Caspian and Central Asia region to operate the 787-8 Dreamliner and we currently have two 787-8s in-service. This MoU is the evidence of joint efforts to scale up the mutually beneficial partnership between Azerbaijan Airlines and Boeing," said Jahangir Asgarov, President of Azerbaijan Airlines. "Over the years, our 787 aeroplanes have provided impeccable performance, and the addition of more long-haul aeroplanes will further expand the geography of Azerbaijan Airlines' route network."

The 787-8 reduces fuel use and emissions by 20-25% compared to the aeroplanes it replaces, and the jetliner's range can reach up to 13,530 km in a typical two-class configuration. The 787 family's fuel efficiency, flexibility and range have enabled carriers worldwide, like Azerbaijan Airlines, to open more than 300 new nonstop routes. Built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced engines, the 787 family has an airport-noise footprint that is 60% smaller than the previous generation of aeroplanes.

Azerbaijan Airlines heading back to Geneva

Azerbaijan Airlines has advised that it will resume flights between Baku and Geneva from 30th October this year. 

The flights are to be part of the carriers joint charter programme for the classic transportation scheme, which includes free baggage and hand luggage and meals on board. The flights depart from terminal 1 of Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Geneva, the second most populous and the largest city in Switzerland is a popular tourist and business destination. It is home to one of the worlds leading banking centres along with a significant scientific hub. The city is located between the mountains of Jura and the Alps and as such is a gateway to many tourist destinations. The pearl of the city is its Lake Leman with a beautiful lakefront and luxurious hotels around that offer year-round hospitality. 

Large 787 order for Boeing from Emirates and 5 more for Azerbaijan Airlines

Fantastic opening to Dubai Air Show 2017

The Dubai Air Show has kicked off with a spectacular flypast by the UAE aerobatic display team and an Emirates A380.  The Dubai Air Show, one of the leading airshows of the world also launched with a flurry of orders for commercial aircraft. One of the first announced from Boeing was an order from Emirates for 40 787-10 Dreamliners, it is a deal which includes the aeroplanes and related equipment, is valued by Boeing at $15.1 billion at current list prices. Although, thanks to discounts, tax breaks and US Government subsidies the price is much much less. 

The Dubai based Emirates has rapidly grown to become one of the worlds biggest airlines as well as the largest Boeing 777 operator in the world. They will be the first airline to receive the new 777X due in 2020. The 787-10 will both complement the Emirates 777 fleet as well as replacing some of the older models. It is said to have a 25 percent better fuel efficiency per seat and emissions than the aircraft it replaces.

"Emirates' orders today will be delivered from 2022, taking the airline well into the 2030s. Some of these will be replacements so that we maintain a young and efficient fleet, and others will power our future network growth. We see the 787 as a great complement to our 777 and A380 fleet, providing us with more flexibility to serve a range of destinations as we develop our global route network," said His Highness Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group. "It has always been Emirates' strategy to invest in the most advanced and efficient aircraft, and today's orders reflect that. Today's announcement also speaks to our confidence in the future of aviation in the UAE and the region."

Read on for details of the Azerbaijan order...... 

Buta Airways Launch 1st September

Azerbaijan Airlines has taken delivery of a leased Embraer E190 all ready for the launch of its new low cost budget airline Buta Airways subsidiary, which is scheduled to launch on 1st September. 

Buta Airways was set up in December 2016 by Azerbaijan Airlines and will have its own all Embraer aircraft fleet, staff and livery which features a mythological bird called the Simurg bird. It also includes the colours of the Azerbaijan flag. 

Read more to see where they will be flying to-