Silk Way West

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• Recent safety record and any notable incidents: Silk Way West Airlines has a record of successfully passing the rigorous IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) for the sixth time, demonstrating its consistent adherence to international safety requirements in air cargo transport. While the airline maintains an overall commitment to safety, AeroInside lists several operational incidents for Silk Way West Airlines. These include a rejected takeoff of a Boeing 747-400 freighter due to an engine fire indication in August 2024, burst main tires on landing of an Ilyushin IL-76 in November 2021, and a rejected takeoff of a Boeing 747-400 due to engine failure in July 2021. It is important to distinguish these from incidents involving its sister company, Silk Way Airlines, which has had fatal accidents with older Antonov An-12 and Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft.

• Regulatory certifications (IOSA, FAA compliance, EU safety list status): Silk Way West Airlines holds the crucial IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, which has been renewed multiple times, most recently in February 2024, confirming its compliance with global aviation safety standards. The airline was granted a foreign carrier air permit by the US Department of Transportation (DoT) in 2014, allowing it to operate scheduled and charter cargo flights to the United States. Furthermore, Silk Way West Airlines is not listed on the EU Air Safety List (blacklist) and states its strict compliance with regulations of the European Union. In addition to general flight safety certifications, the airline also holds a GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certificate for the transport of time- and temperature-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceuticals, and an IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries Certification for the safe handling of lithium batteries. In September 2025, it also secured ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) certification.

• Fleet age and maintenance reputation: Silk Way West Airlines operates a fleet that includes modern Boeing 777F and 747-8F aircraft. While some older Boeing 747-400Fs had an average age of over 16 years as of March 2024, the airline is actively modernizing its fleet with new orders for Boeing 777 Freighters, 777-8 Freighters, and Airbus A350F freighters, expected to be delivered from 2025 and 2027. Maintenance services are primarily provided by Silk Way Technics, a member of the Silk Way Group. Silk Way Technics is recognized by various international aviation authorities, including the United States, and holds European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification since 2010, servicing a wide range of aircraft types including Boeing and Airbus. Silk Way West Airlines also collaborates with Turkish Technic for maintenance and repair services on its Boeing 777 cargo aircraft fleet.

• Overall safety assessment based on available data: Based on available data, Silk Way West Airlines demonstrates a robust commitment to safety and operational excellence. Its consistent renewal of IOSA certification and compliance with international standards, along with its modernizing fleet and reputable maintenance support from Silk Way Technics and Turkish Technic, contribute to a positive safety assessment. While some operational incidents have occurred, they appear to be managed effectively and do not indicate systemic safety failures for Silk Way West Airlines.

• Any safety awards or recognitions: Silk Way West Airlines was honored with the prestigious 'Cargo Airline of the Year 2020' award by South Korea's Incheon International Airport.