Silk Way West Airlines has flown 100 yaks over more than 2,000 kilometres to Azerbaijan from Kyrgyzstan as part of a wildlife reintroduction project.
The Baku-headquartered carrier said the cargo had transported the herd from Bishkek Manas International Airport to Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport.
"Moving these animals was a challenge that the freight airline successfully completed in accordance with the request of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan," Silk Way West said, noting the airline's long experience in animal transportation.
It added that the yaks all were delivered safely to their destination and were subsequently transported to their new pastures by truck from the airport.
Silk Way West Airlines said it has successfully handled numerous live animal shipments in the past in accordance with all IATA regulations.
The carrier's experience includes the transportation of alpacas, kangaroos, dogs, horses and European bison.
Silk Way West Airlines said its aircraft provide their animal passengers with a perfectly air-conditioned and ventilated environment thanks to ventilation and temperature control systems.
The yaks were transported in special cages designed to ensure that they were not exposed to any risk of injury during the flight. They remained under veterinary supervision throughout their journey to ensure their well-being.
"We are proud to be involved in projects like this, contributing to the preservation of a sustainable and biodiverse environment worldwide. Thanks to an experienced crew and accompanying veterinarians, we were able to safely transport the yaks to their new home in Azerbaijan," said Vugar Mammadov, vice president of CIS and Central Asia of Silk Way West Airlines.
