In the evolving landscape of global trade, the Caucasus region is emerging as a strategic crossroads. At its heart, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has established itself as a key logistics player, leveraging its geographic advantage and modern cargo services to connect Eurasian trade routes. This report provides a comprehensive guide to tracking Azerbaijan Airlines cargo shipments, covering essential aspects from airway bill formats to real-time monitoring and exception handling.
1. Azerbaijan Airlines Cargo Services Overview
1.1 Company Profile and Route Network
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan Airlines operates a dedicated cargo fleet of five aircraft, including Boeing 757-200PCF freighters. Its network spans 40 global destinations, with Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) serving as the primary hub. The airline's "New Silk Road" routes, such as the Urumqi-Baku-Paris corridor, demonstrate remarkable efficiency with transit times as short as 24 hours.
1.2 Service Coverage
The cargo division serves four continents with particular focus on:
- Europe: Major cities including Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA), and London (LHR)
- Asia: Key hubs in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou), Dubai (DXB), and Singapore (SIN)
- Middle East: Strategic locations like Dubai (DXB), Tel Aviv (TLV), and Istanbul (IST)
- CIS Countries: Important trade centers including Moscow (DME) and Almaty (ALA)
2. Cargo Tracking Process
2.1 Official Tracking Portal
Customers can track shipments through the airline's cargo portal by entering the 11-digit Air Waybill (AWB) number in the format "229-XXXXXXXX", where "229" represents AZAL's IATA code.
Tracking Status Glossary:
- Booked: Cargo accepted into the system
- In Transit: Shipment en route
- In Transit - Transfer: At intermediate hub (typically Baku)
- Delivered: Arrived at destination airport
- Customs Clearance: Undergoing import procedures
2.2 Alternative Tracking Platforms
Third-party tracking services including 17TRACK and TrackTrace offer additional monitoring options, with some providing API integration for enterprise users.
3. Air Waybill Specifications
The AWB structure consists of:
- Three-digit IATA carrier code (229 for AZAL)
- Eight-digit unique serial number
Tracking data remains available for 90 days post-delivery, with automatic delay alerts triggered for shipments stationary beyond seven days.
4. Exception Handling
Common tracking issues include:
- Incorrect AWB formatting
- Data synchronization delays during transfers
- System maintenance periods
Recommended resolution steps involve verification of AWB format and allowing 1-2 hours for system updates before contacting customer support.
5. Transit Time Analysis
Typical transit durations:
- Asia-Europe: 3-4 days (e.g., Shanghai to Paris via Baku)
- Middle East-Europe: 1-2 days for direct routes
- Transcontinental: 5-7 days for complex routings
Key variables affecting schedules include Caucasus winter weather (potentially increasing delays by 25%), flight frequency, and destination clearance times ranging from 36 hours in Turkey to 48+ hours in Russia.
6. Special Cargo and Pricing
The airline accommodates specialized shipments including:
- Temperature-controlled goods (-18°C to 4°C range)
- Live animals (IATA-compliant containers required)
- Restricted hazardous materials (categories 2-9)
Pricing follows standard weight/volume calculations with monthly-adjusted fuel surcharges (currently ~10% of base rate).
7. Asia-Pacific Operations
AZAL maintains direct cargo facilities in four Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Urumqi) and collaborates with global logistics providers for last-mile delivery. Regional partners include major freight forwarders and e-commerce logistics platforms.