Non-stop Boeing 747-8F operation complements existing weekly service as carrier expands Americas network ahead of widebody deliveries
Silk Way West Airlines has added a second weekly freighter flight between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas and Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
This non-stop cargo flight on the IAH-GYD route, operated with a Boeing 747-8 freighter, was added to Silk Way's schedule on 10 January, said Houston Airports in a press release.
The expanded schedule builds on the Baku-based cargo airline's existing once-weekly IAH service, launched in April 2023. While the second frequency is a non-stop service, the initial service from IAH-GYD included a commercial stop in Chicago (ORD). The airline later included a stop in Frankfurt-Hahn (HHN).
The expanded cargo service supports demand for commodities including energy sector equipment, medical supplies, high-tech hardware, perishables and industrial goods.
“This expanded service is a direct result of Houston’s strength as a global cargo hub and the reliability of operations at Bush Airport,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports.
“As global trade demands evolve, Houston is well positioned to support additional capacity and nonstop connections that move critical goods efficiently and safely.”
“Adding a second frequency at Houston signals the growing demand we are seeing in the U.S. energy and industrial hub," commented Fadi Nahas, vice president-Americas for Silk Way West Airlines.
"More frequencies mean greater flexibility and reliability for our shippers, and this expansion reflects Silk Way West Airlines’ commitment to improved service and an ever‑stronger global reach."
As well as the service expansion to Houston, Silk Way also continues to operate regular flights to Chicago and Dallas, expanding its growing route network in the Americas.
Silk Way is anticipating the delivery of three Boeing 777-300Fs in 2027, four Airbus A350Fs in 2028 and four 777-8Fs in 2029.
Houston Airports handled 565,000 metric tons of cargo in 2025, representing more than $23bn in international trade value.
