Azerbaijan Set to Become Major Aviation Hub with Silk Way Group & dnata Joint Venture
Azerbaijan is set to become a major aviation and logistics hub, with Silk Way Group and dnata joining forces to establish operations at Alat International Airport. The joint venture, announced by Silk Way Group President Zaur Akhundov and dnata CEO Steve Allen, aims to transform the region's logistics sector and create over 1,000 jobs.
The partnership will commence in April 2027, coinciding with the airport's opening. The state-of-the-art facility, located within the Alat Free Economic Zone, will boast advanced logistics facilities capable of handling over 500,000 tonnes of cargo annually, with a projected 5% growth each year. Upon completion, the airport will feature an 18-stand apron, a 4,000-meter runway, and a modern air traffic control center.
Initially, the venture will focus on ground handling and cargo operations. However, it plans to expand into catering, freight forwarding, de-icing, and other support services. The project is expected to significantly boost Azerbaijan's economic and transport connectivity, with the airport and the Alat Free Economic Zone's multimodal infrastructure playing a crucial role.
The collaboration between Silk Way Group and dnata is expected to generate more than 1,000 local jobs and provide extensive training opportunities, fostering the growth of Azerbaijan's aviation workforce. With a shared vision to transform Azerbaijan into a leading regional aviation and logistics hub, the partnership is set to position Baku as a key logistics hub in the Caucasus region.
