Azerbaijan Airlines welcomes first Dreamliner

Azerbaijan Airlines expanded its long-haul fleet with the delivery of its first ever Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The Baku-based national carrier welcomed the new twin-aisle jet on 23 December 2014, becoming the first airline from the former Soviet Union to operate the Dreamliner.

Azerbaijan Airlines said the aircraft will play a key role in its long-haul expansion plans.

“We are delighted to receive this revolutionary airplane, which will help Azerbaijan Airlines increase its competitiveness both regionally and internationally,” said the Azeri national carrier’s president, Jahangir Askerov. “The airplane, with its unique onboard features, will provide an unrivalled passenger experience with an unmatched level of comfort.”

The airline’s long-haul fleet currently consists of B767 and Airbus A340 aircraft, so the B787’s arrival marks a major step forward. The aircraft will come fitted with LED cabin lighting, larger windows and bigger overhead storage bins, and uses 20% less fuel and makes less noise than other similar-sized aircraft.

Based at Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport, state-owned Azerbaijan Airlines currently operates a network of over 20 global destinations, including New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt and Beijing.

sourced:traveldailymedia.com