Silk Way Group, a private aviation and logistics business based in Azerbaijan has partnered with dnata to establish ground handling and cargo operations at the new Alat International Airport, located within the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.
Set to coincide with the new terminal opening in April 2027, the venture signals a major investment in the future of Azerbaijan’s aviation and logistics sectors.
Alat Airport’s advanced logistics facilities will be capable of handling more than 400,000 tonnes of cargo per year, with a projected annual volume growth of 5 per cent over the next decade.
The airport will include 18 aircraft stands, a 4,000m runway and taxiway and air traffic control centre. Once complete, the airport will position Alat Free Economic Zone as a prominent transit hub, featuring integrated logistics infrastructure.
Steve Allen, CEO of dnata said the joint venture is an “important step in expanding dnata’s global footprint and supporting the Caucasus region’s rapid growth.”
He also noted that Baku’s new airport will be a critical hub for cargo flows in the region. “Our investment,” he added, “ensures that airlines and logistics partners have access to safe, quality and reliable services from day one.”
Dnata currently provides a range of air services to Silk Way West Airlines (part of the Silk Way Group) across five countries, handling 1,150 flights and 85,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
While the joint venture will initially focus on cargo and ground handling, it will eventually expand into catering, freight forwarding, de-icing and a range of additional services.
“Beyond operational excellence, this venture reflects our long-term strategy to provide integrated aviation solutions in high-potential markets,” continued Allen. “We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Silk Way Group to support Azerbaijan’s aviation and logistics industries, businesses and wider communities.”
Alat Airport’s advanced logistics facilities will be capable of handling more than 400,000 tonnes of cargo per year, with projected annual volume growth of 5% over the next decade. The project is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs locally.
Describing the partnership as a “new milestone in the development of Azerbaijan’s aviation industry,” Zaur Akhundov, President of Silk Way Group, said: “Together, we are shaping a modern ecosystem that will connect the Alat Free Economic Zone with the global aviation and logistics network. This joint venture represents not only an investment in infrastructure but also in people – creating new jobs, developing professional skills, and building a foundation for sustainable growth.”
He added: “The establishment of aviation services at Alat Airport is a strategic step toward realising our vision of transforming Azerbaijan into a leading regional hub.”
Photo: Silk Way Group
