Moving animals by air isn’t cargo. It’s care, science, and responsibility — and when the passenger is a beluga whale or a birthing yak, there’s no room for improvisation. From marine mammals to companion horses, across its global network, the Azerbaijani freighter operator Silk Way West Airlines is increasingly called upon for animal movements that test the limits of air cargo handling.
“Silk Way West Airlines, with its versatile fleet including Boeing 747-8F and Boeing 777-F freighters, regularly handles live animal transportation across its global network,” said Vugar Mammadov, Vice President of the airline.
Not your average load
Live animal shipments are by nature unpredictable. Some, like horse transport, are routine. Others defy standard operating procedures entirely.
“Each animal presents unique challenges and requires specific conditions for transportation,” Mammadov explained. “For instance, when we recently transported yaks, we needed custom-made cages specifically designed for the shipment. A dedicated team member flew to Kyrgyzstan to oversee the assembly process and ensure the yaks were safely and properly placed on board.”
Then there are projects that read more like marine biology than air cargo: “One of our most challenging transports involved relocating whales from Moldova to Spain. Transporting aquariums by air was a delicate process that demanded both precision and expertise,” he said.
The technical implications go beyond containment. “During takeoff and landing, the tilt of the aircraft causes the water inside the aquarium to shift, significantly affecting the weight and balance of the aircraft,” he explained. “Unlike solid cargo, water behaves dynamically during flight, making its mass different from when the aquarium is stationary during loading.”
“This constant shift in the centre of gravity requires advanced calculations and careful planning to ensure the aircraft’s stability throughout the journey. We are proud to say that our pilots are exceptionally skilled in managing these changes, adjusting their approach during critical phases of the flight to maintain safety and balance.”
Horses that fly with friends
Among the more frequent flyers in Silk Way West’s animal portfolio are horses — a familiar but still sensitive category of live cargo.
“Horses are one of the animals we transport most frequently, reflecting our extensive experience in handling them,” Mammadov noted. “One particularly unique experience involved transporting a horse that refused to travel without its companion. In this case, the accompanying horse served as a source of comfort and helped keep the transported horse calm throughout the flight.”
The human-animal bond sometimes has to be factored into routing decisions too. “We offer customers the option to accompany their animals, adding an extra layer of care and assurance,” he said.
Around-the-clock control
Behind the scenes, Silk Way West deploys 24/7 monitoring to ensure journeys remain stable and safe, even under changing conditions.
“Our 24/7 Control Tower monitors every step of the journey, ensuring seamless communication and adherence to the highest standards of safety and animal well-being throughout the entire operation.”
But air transport is only one part of the equation. “We follow a meticulously coordinated process to ensure the safe and efficient transport of animals from departure to arrival, managing all customs and quarantine procedures along the way,” Mammadov said.
“Before animals are entrusted to us, they undergo comprehensive veterinary checks and health certifications to meet international and destination-specific regulations. We collaborate closely with customs authorities to ensure all necessary documentation—including import/export permits, health certificates, and compliance with quarantine protocols—is completed before transport.”
“From the first step until the transportation is finished we collaborate with all related parties, ensuring that every aspect of the journey is handled with precision and care, providing a seamless and safe experience for the animals.”
Marine mammals in the hold
The whale relocation from Moldova wasn’t the airline’s only marine cargo mission. The transport of two belugas from Chisinau to Spain marked another milestone.
“Transporting the belugas was a highly specialised operation that underscored Silk Way Airlines’ commitment to animal welfare and precision in handling logistics,” said Mammadov.
“The journey from Chisinau to their new home in Spain required meticulous planning and coordination, starting with selecting the ideal aircraft positioning to ensure a smooth and safe loading process. Each beluga travelled in a custom-designed container, crafted to provide the comfort and security these sensitive marine animals require.”
“One of the biggest challenges was maintaining a stable environment throughout the flight, as belugas are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in pressure and temperature. Our team, in collaboration with marine veterinarians, monitored and adjusted the climate controls in real-time, ensuring that both animals experienced minimal stress.”
“The veterinarians were present every step of the way—before, during, and after the flight—to safeguard the belugas’ health and respond immediately to any needs.”
