The National Flag Carrier of Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan Airlines

In April 1992, having gained independence, the state aviation body State Concern Azerbaijan Airlines was established in Azerbaijan at the behest of the government of the Republic. In 1996, Azeraeronavigation Air Traffic Control Center was established as part of the Azerbaijan Airlines State Concern and in 1997, AZALOIL was founded as part of the airline. In 1999, a new international terminal was opened at Baku airport and a year later in 2000, the airline took delivery of its first set of Boeing 757-200 aircraft. In 2008, by order of the Azerbaijani President, AZAL State Concern was restructured and renamed as Azerbaijan Airlines and in 2009, airports in Lankaran and Zagatala received international status following a major reorganisation. In 2011 the airline took delivery of Boeing 767-300ER aircrafts, further expanding the airline with Airbus A340-500 long haul passenger planes in 2013. In 2014, the airline's fleet was rejuvenated with modern Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, commencing regular transatlantic flights from Baku to New York the same year. In 2015, British company Skytrax, awarded the airline the title of Azerbaijani national carrier. Most recently, Azerbaijan signed the Open Skies agreement with the USA. Today, Azerbaijan Airlines is the flag carrier and larges airline of its nation Azerbaijan. The airline is a major air carrier, with a total network of 40 destinations in 25 countries, and carried more than 2 million passengers in 2016 alone.

Flying with Azerbaijan Airlines

The airline offers four service classes: Economy Class, Business Class, Comfort Club and VIP Club, each offering increasing levels of service and in-flight comforts and extra touches. Economy Class offers generous space and legroom for excellent comfort, ergonomically designed seating and personal in-flight entertainment such as TV and games. Business Class offers more leg room and a wide-angle seat recline, priority check-in counters at airports and priority boarding, fast track and assistance services, business class lounge access and more free baggage allowance. Comfort Club offers more legroom and comfort still, more free baggage allowance and the option to add extra carry-on baggage for a fee as well as Comfort Club meals and beverages (catered to your individual dietary needs). For the most luxurious flight experience, opt for VIP Club, which offers passengers attentive service and exclusivity. The cabin features fully-flat beds with in-flight comfort features including power for electronic devices, priority check-in counters, fast track and assistance services and a generous free baggage allowance. VIP Club meals are included and served on fine china (with the option to have the meals tailored to your dietary needs). The airline runs a frequent flyer loyalty club called Azal Miles, enabling passengers to collect points they can then spend on free tickets and upgrades on travel on Azerbaijan Airlines flights.

Practical Information

Check-in: Check-in for flights begins 20 hours prior to departure at Heydar Aliyev International Airport and shuts around 40 minutes before departure. Passengers can use the optional online check-in service to obtain their electronic boarding pass prior to the flight.

Luggage:

• Economy class: 1 piece of baggage not exceeding 23 kg.

• Comfort club: 2 pieces of baggage not exceeding 32 kg each.

• Business class: 2 pieces of baggage not exceeding 32 kg each.

• VIP club: 3 pieces of baggage not exceeding 32 kg each.

• For all classes, each extra piece of baggage up to 23 kg each is charged at 50 Euros.

• For more information on baggage rules please see here.