Boeing, Silk Way West working on $1.1 billion order

Silk Way West has committed to an order for three Boeing Co. freighters, a deal valued at $1.1 billion based on list prices.

Chicago-based Boeing announced the commitment Thursday and said the companies are working to finalize terms for three 747-8 freighter airplanes.

“Silk Way Group is a longstanding customer and operator of Boeing’s products and services,” said Marty Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ vice president for the Middle East, Russia and Central Asia sales. “We value our partnership with Silk Way West and are grateful for their enduring confidence in Boeing and the 747-8 freighter.”

Silk Way West is based in Baku, Azerbaijan, a former Soviet Republic. The airline is part of Silk Way Group, which includes 23 aviation-related companies.

The airline already operates seven Boeing freighters: two 767-300s, three 747-400s and two 747-8s.

Separately, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, the company’s military aircraft division, announced it completed installation of two simulators for the F-22 Raptor. The simulators are the first to provide a 360-degree visualization of being in the aircraft.

“Boeing has delivered what are probably the most advanced high definition flight simulators I have experienced, and they are going to let our pilots realize training unlike any they’ve had before,” said Air Force Col. Anthony Genatempo. “That translates directly into mission readiness.”