Azerbaijan Airlines marks 34 years as leading regional carrier

April 7 marks the 34th anniversary of the founding of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), a milestone highlighting the airline’s role in expanding Azerbaijan’s international and domestic air connectivity.

Founded as a national carrier focused on domestic flights, AZAL has grown into one of the leading airlines in the region, playing a pivotal role in the development of the country’s civil aviation sector. The airline currently operates a fleet of around 30 modern aircraft, including models from Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer, and plans to expand its fleet to over 50 aircraft by 2032, Caliber.Az underlines.

Since 2022, AZAL has nearly doubled its number of destinations, enhancing travel opportunities and cultural exchange for passengers worldwide.

Over its 34-year history, the airline has received numerous international awards for service quality, safety, and passenger satisfaction. In 2015, the British consulting firm Skytrax awarded AZAL a prestigious “4-star” rating, a recognition it has maintained through 2025. Skytrax also named AZAL the best regional airline in Central Asia and India in 2018.

In addition, the airline has been recogniaed for operational excellence. Aviation analytics platform Official Airline Guide (OAG) named AZAL the most punctual airline in Europe based on 2019 data, while the World Airline Awards 2025 honored it as the “Best Regional Airline in Central Asia and the CIS.”

By Sabina Mammadli