Flying Boeing’s Largest Aircraft - 747-8F Cargo SilkWay West

Hello from Baku, Azerbaijan. This week, I am flying on Silkway West B747-8 Freighter from Baku to Amsterdam. The B747-8F is fully loaded with 120 tons of cargo with takeoff weight of over 400 tons!
Before the flight, Samir from Silk Way Group gave me a special tour of the modern cargo facility in Baku, which features an automated cargo crane system and a dedicated large cold storage warehouse. Silk Way West currently operates 12 B747 Freighters in the fleet. The ramp at Baku was buzzing with activity.
Inside the Boeing 747, I met with Captain Rasim, who showed me the advanced loading of cargo inside B747-8F. I was the only passenger onboard this cargo plane. We departed Baku over the city, then headed towards the Caucasus, Georgia, across the Black Sea towards Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, and our final destination Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
It was a really unusual first-class experience on the Boeing 747 cargo flight. Captain Rasim served me a meal including Caspian Sea beluga caviar! After food, there is a dedicated rest cabin to sleep. During my journey, I also discovered the tough life of a cargo pilot who spent most of the time flying through restrictions during the pandemic to deliver cargo. They face long periods of loneliness away from their family due to work.
The weather in Amsterdam was raining with low visibility. The weather radar was full of colours. Watch how the pilot fully concentrated on the landing there.

[@AndrewTubbiolo]

The people running this airline look like a great group of people to fly with. What an operation. Thanks for sharing with us Sam.

[@The1983333]

@Andrew Tubbiolo SILKWAY is the real result of ''ILHAM ALİYEV's family dictatorship corruption'' in Azerbaijan,A nation which in wealthy live in thirsty ,this family is ruling as a Killer as a Thief in Azerbaijan for 30 years...There is no democratic elections,no human rights,only thing there is the luxury for GOVT FAMILY....ALL this company is made from washed dirty money of Azerbaijan Nation which is stealed by ALIYEV Family as a RUSSIAN puppet DICTATORSHIP leader...

[@AndrewTubbiolo]

@@The1983333 Easy to believe given how nations are run in the area. However either everyone working there are good actors, but that sure looks like one happy shop. Typically nations as corrupt as you say they are are hard ass societies. If you're right, about the local politics, it's likely that the society has a lot of buy in and goes along.

[@HM-nh7nc]

@@AndrewTubbiolo some people are always full of hatred, jealousy sadness, in their eyes everything is fake and for acting, so they'll try hard to bring everyone around down with them. They don't realise that it's life, every or any moment you can try to be happy, sad, fake etc etc etc. So what? Besides it's pilots we r talking about, most of the time they seem to be the most cheerful people when they explain things regarding aviation. (maybe cuz of their stress levels this is their chance to communicate with others and de-stress themselves?) society doesn't define every single person within itelf, people are unique. so don't mind this sad @The1983 guy please :)

[@The1983333]

@@AndrewTubbiolo dear andrew it was 100% real and fact,I read in a famous news agency of the Eurasia region,I dont mean these workers or pilots are bad....I mean last week they opened the share of this company which gave back to budget,for example they got all these planes with GOVT budget but they got back about 5-10 millions in US dollars,you see what i mean:These such companies consturcted by Corruption regime of Azerbaijan dictatorship Family GOVT,but beacause of THIEVES of ALIYEV Family,there remain 5-10 millions to give back to GOVT,,,and they publish no benefits,,,AND Please go to a comparison,,,All Azerbaijan airways tickets are 3-5 times more expensive than all neighbors countries airways,and another wonderful thing is that ALIYEV regime has closed ground borders for the 3 years in a lie as COVID-19,no one can easily go by bus or personal cars,another example was a TUNNEL constructioned with 528.000.000 US dollars which leaked by ITALIAN designer company member,that TUNNEL in Turkey is finished only with 28.000.000 US dollar....500.000.000 US Dollars as corruption for GOVT Family,We have seen alot leakes about dictators like PUTIN or ALIYEV or....only their nation is in a prison with no rights....IN LONDON or DUBAI this family bought alot real state in value about 1.5 billion dollars...

[@davidclaro152]

My thoughts the same. A great group of fine gentlemen. Excellent hospitality. I would fly with them than a few airlines.

[@jefesman]

These guys are first class the whole way they run their operation. I too had a smile on my face the whole time watching! Flying cargo would be beyond flying commercial first class any day! Even a crabbed landing in rough weather by the captain shows how professional the crew really is. It would be an honor to fly with those guys. Thank you for sharing your awesome experience.

[@Porter92]

Well of course. They were being filmed. Doubt they wouldn’t go above n beyond because he had his camera

[@davym23]

Awsome

[@SamChui]

Thank you for the nice comment. I can tell you for sure the pilot is a great humble and warm guy be it on or off the camera. He really took care of me.

[@isallah1kafir196]

​@@SamChui *the first words that came out of my words I can't repeat here* since I was cussing my head off. Why the heck does the intro to the video be so loud? Ever +listened to this video with headphones* what is the benefit that your viewers have to watch it *with their ears ringing* like I wrote those who must use head-phones.

[@donkykon2094]

nice wheels to the dictator

[@FitriShukri]

These Azerbaijan people look very friendly and hospitable

[@ClearedAsFiled]

Armenian!

[@nunkysasha]

@@ClearedAsFiled Armenian? Where do you see armenian in this video?

[@sky_747.]

I am a Azerbaijani and I study in NATIONAL AVIATION ACADEMY of Azerbaijani!

[@Abraham.I]

məndə Milli Aviasiya Akademiyasını bitirmişəm :)

[@leokimvideo]

My God. Look at the concentration on the pilots face landing that monster aircraft

[@ahoymateeez]

And he did a great job it looked like a such a smooth landing, and in that weather!

[@johann.desouza]

Love Sam's Azerbaijani father's energy! So contagious! 😁

[@scottfisher2814]

As a UPS Captain, I would fly 1st class with these officers any time and day!

[@KYLOWW]

I love Samir's personality. So full of positive energy.

[@juha-mattihakala3518]

Yes. Thanks Sam and "father" to let us join on your journey.

[@SamChui]

Yes, Samir is actually my neighbor in Dubai. That's how we know each other and little did I know I will fly on his company b747-8F one day....

[@joku8648]

@@juha-mattihakala3518 fax bro oli hyvä vidi

[@mahogany3947]

This guy exudes exuberance

[@mahogany3947]

This guy is freaking fantastic

[@johndietrich4570]

This Captain is flying the one aircraft that pilots dream of flying for their career,yet this Captain is egoless and very humble, serving Sam food is priceless...great vid Sam and props to the crew and airline.

[@ianhjan]

It is clear that Silkway West is a successful freight carrier due to it's fantastic people. Very impressive.

[@Alakerson]

These People are so friendly and happy to have you on board and by their side. Your neightbour and "Father" in Azerbaijan is so cool. A real entertainer. Very hospitable like the most azerbaijan residents. The captain serves yout he meal an kaviar. You lucky guy!

[@clantis]

Someone tell me why I had this constant smile on my face watching this video (don't answer that). The way I love the 747 in all it's glory, an automatic smile simply creeps in. Thank you Sam for sharing this awesome video. Long Live The Queen!!!

[@onYaFace2023]

(deleting answer)

[@SamChui]

Thank you. Long live the queen. I felt at home and at peace when I'm inside this airplane.

[@AlphaCrewDog]

@@SamChui Sir! Thank you for the videos. Really enjoyed the II-76-90 flight. I was a loadmaster back in the day on the C-141B Starlifter. Great Times!!!

[@hollygagshorts]

Silkway West exhibited the b747-8 at the Istanbul Airshow in 2014 and Captain Rasim allowed me to enter the cockpit and even had a photo taken with him. Very nice to see you again. What a coincidence!

[@daneread8141]

Such a nice captain and crew. Respect ✊🏻 Azerbaijani. Sam you have an awesome life!

[@Nooticus]

Azerbaijani people look amazingly hospitable and very funny indeed! I hope to visit one day! Looking forward to the Ilyushin to Erbil next time, very exotic indeed!

[@ClearedAsFiled]

Armenian people are the best!

[@Nooticus]

Both Armenian and Azerbaijani people are great in fact!

[@spectator260]

@@ClearedAsFiled 😁🤦

[@davefrommelbourne1237]

Silkway one of the most successful cargo airlines flying today 🛫👍

[@really5846]

Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 is one of the most beautiful countries in the world 😍

[@ClearedAsFiled]

Armenian people....!!!!!!!!

[@hesenseferov1402]

@@ClearedAsFiled xuy

[@taranoroozi6590]

The first guy--Samir--that give sam a tour was genuinely positive and upbeat; not just because of his job. Peace.

[@fbifib7327]

That captain was so nice and welcoming. A great pilot too

[@wagnerbejaranocarvalho9971]

how exciting this video is for the humility and simplicity of these people of Azerbaijan in being able to serve others and be so hospitable. They are fair and kind people, thank you Sam Chuí for another good video and for your usual kindness. Salamaleco Alahhuackbah

[@trainguy7261]

I am always amazed at how a very heavy plane like that can actually take off and fly.

[@OceanDriveSpeeder]

As a Ex-UAL employee. We had a picture of our 747 Justin Dart on our wall, the caption read " Anything with a large enough engine will Fly! "

[@trainguy7261]

@@OceanDriveSpeeder very cool

[@hg4712]

Thank Joe Sutter and his incredibles

[@sergiolaurencio7534]

Mr Pilots, your life is also amazing. The sacrifice and willingness to carry load to the world even in the pandemic and in these difficult times is something that has no description. You are heroes.

[@SamChui]

Thank you. Great appreciation of your comment.

[@FernandoKronemberger]

What a perfect landing, captain Rasim!

[@TunjaysGarage]

From Azerbaijan

[@benjamintsebonego]

These guys are just about the friendliest bunch I have ever seen in the longest of times

[@cheryll8008]

Wow what a privillege for you Sam getting served by the captain! And caviar!! I think people from the caucasius region are super nice and hospitable

[@F-Man]

To see the captain go from being such a hospitable host to complete laser focus on that approach - what a picture of professionalism!

[@muriuwangai3617]

Hi Sam, kindly I was a Piper chieftain tech at HKNW. We love your channel but make sure someday I fly in some 747 cargo before I ever get to expire. Cheers for flying with us virtually.

[@acmde2707]

Wow people from Azerbaijan is really friendly and generous.

[@scottfisher2814]

As a UPS Captain, these Officers are top notch! I’d fly first class with them any day.

[@BC-wo4ub]

Holy Queen of the Skies where do I start with this video!!!! As a former UPS Ramp employee I can appreciate everything I saw from the plane smiling to the fabulous crew and to see all those planes in AMS people are flying again. I am so happy to see Silk fly the 747-8. Thank you to the crew for flying during covid. Even people half way around the world appreciate your hard work. Sam you are the luckiest person on the planet. I have never seen such hospitality for a jumpseat and you got it all. That was the best meal service and by the Captain!!!!! Who will top that flight in the future??? Back in the day we had to push those containers all the way down the fuselage. I remember there was Pos 1 2 and 3 if it was a 200 and then 25 on the right and left and 26 all by its self at the tail. Oh and then the lower deck also had containers in the front and back. That plane can hold a lot when its fully loaded. I think I like your cargo videos more than the passenger ones lol!!! The 727 DC9 737 200 are by far more fun to watch and in your case fly on. Great Video and Silk thank you as well for what you do for the world.

[@CMTHFAF]

Love the guy at the beginning. Everyone should love what they do as much as he does.

[@GenkisTravels]

Love the cockpit views. That landing looked intense. :)

[@robaust3049]

“Please take care of our cargo and buzz off…” too funny…

[@TJ-World]

Capt is a great person, provided good hospitality.

[@albertli3737]

I think you'll never get bored around this guy.

[@FSEVENMAN]

The 747 truly is the Queen of the sky the most amazing and unique aircraft there's never ever been anything like it. Long live the Queen.....

[@rainscratch]

No aircraft was or will be quite like this beauty. A work of engineering genius and art-form rolled into a hugely popular and successful aircraft.

[@nick00790]

The captain looks so humble and friendly

[@imranmekhtiev4203]

Super. Yaşasın Azərbaycan 🇦🇿💪💪💪

[@wagnerbejaranocarvalho9971]

Good Morning Sam & crew members of Silk Airways,.ots a pleasure to see you on board of B747-8 cockpit you deserve it bit I am sure that as soon as possible I will see you taking off the a/c from the ground, all the best fornyou Sam. Bielive me you will pilot an B747

[@19brandon66]

Great video. So good to see so many 747s in service. The Silkway livery is beautiful.

[@azarabdullaev3571]

Mr. Sam it’s so wonderful that you have been in my homeland Azerbaijan ❤❤❤

[@ps4proaddiction396]

That captain was so sweet to you!!

[@eugenebuako3193]

Wow. I actually had a flight operations course with Capt Rashim way back in 2018 at IATA training center in Amsterdam. Great to see him still flying this beast.

[@badarmumtaz2219]

Wonderful vlog sir. The flight was super awesome from the sweet Azerbaijan country nice people with nice airline. Breath-taking mountain views absolutely awesome vlog ever. Greetings from Pakistan

[@bannedone3ice138]

Loving the Azerbaijan series Bro ❤️❤️❤️

[@GaneshReddyG]

Sam, I would love to see you flying DHL cargo flights carrying formula 1 cars and equipments around the world

[@motorTranz]

That Captain was a class act! Thanks Sam!

[@BRaff-hl4ip]

Excellent camera work during take off. Captain is a Cool Dude, makes we want to visit Azerbaijan and meet the people.

[@projecttdx44]

R.I.P Boeing 747, when the time comes, you will be missed

[@fnnnknorth]

The Captain was extremely charming and wonderful. So wonderful to see

[@globalprotectiondogs565]

What a top captain this is. Talk about the best TRE/TRI

[@jowellvandenbiggelaar2388]

First-class video! first class people and a first class country. I love Azarbaycan!

[@floraexoticsfloraexotics]

“Sam my son .. Buzz off “.. OMG .. really liked the humour of the very happy gentleman. As always thank you Sam for all your Vlogs. Really enjoy them all.

[@hendraahinsetiawan2929]

Thanks, Sam for yet another great video. My huge respect to ALL CARGO PILOTS around the globe. YOU're ALL HEROES !! BANZAI !!

[@sargentmcbadass]

That guy is a character. Love to see company reps with so much passion

[@OkaMammedli]

Proud of our Pilots 💪🏻🇦🇿

[@johnfritz0]

What a great crew and a great video. Thanks all!

[@johneastman1905]

All due respect to the flight crew. Enjoyed noting the pilots concentration while landing.

[@sumitmukherjee1283]

Captain served the food.Amazing

[@mightysprocket]

Great access to the life of a cargo crew…thank you!

[@DavidSanchez-sr2li]

The captain is a wonderful person!

[@arivazhagansubramaniam1225]

SAM..what a lucky man you are ..!!!!!..captain serving ..oh...wow

[@melvyncox3361]

What a nice friendly airline to fly with.Great job Sam!

[@ASD-DAD]

A big Thank you to these pilots for moving crucial cargos around the world during crazy times.

[@ninettemurk7492]

I think Samir should have his own entertainment show ;-)

[@cricuts1]

Amazing people make the journey unforgettable.

[@farzinbagheri3280]

Captain serving you. This is special.

[@EngTechTalk]

Perfect. It is really perfect to see Silkway in this channel as a aviation lover.

[@moonbawa497]

I love boeing 747 what a beauty of 7474 in all over aircrafts no one beat it I had traveled in this dreamy what a glorious design

[@r0b3z97]

Like those videos I watch with that cool man cooking outdoors… and also from Azerbaijan says… “Suuuuupeer”

[@locossanity]

i loved that 400ton takeoff...how he applied a bit of pressure on the control surfaces with the stick before he pulled back on rotation...lumbering up but so powerful. His inputs are in line with a heavy plane. So impressive.

[@user-ng5jj6vq4z]

If anything, you will definitely not be disappointed in our pilots working in this equally large cargo airline.😇😇😇

[@sommeliermicheleorbolato9896]

First-class video, and first-class pilots! Big operations are involved behind a jet like this one. Thanks for sharing Sam!

[@steini6771]

Fantastic Captain and co-pilot. Great vibe and excellent landing. Thank`s Sam -

[@mehabox]

Caucasus mountains are beautiful indeed. I recognized them as soon as they appeared…😍

[@vishalvgari]

That was a butter smooth landing...

[@Jack-Wall]

What a great presentation. Pretty cool to see the Captain serving the guest. Thank you SilkWay West Cargo ... keeping the world running. To all the cargo pilots and crews out there, I hope you know, eventhough you're often unsung , you all are recognised heros by many who are aware of what you do. S!

[@iJMultiplication]

What an awesome captain!

[@6moonbeamz]

Thank you cargo pilots! "..we were flying continuously throughout the pandemic"

[@Johnthedagger]

747 is my favorite bird by a mile. No one's ever duplicating that level of comfort and excellent ride in another aircraft

[@piratetype]

Samir needs his own KZbin channel, that guy was great!

[@gabriel_fastidious_242]

Sam's videos are so entertaining, this is TV like quality!

[@danielderiecroft4948]

What great person your Dad is, well sort of Dad 😃

[@gerdacoetzer3615]

I just love the queen of the skies. She is a magnificent peace of engineering.✈🛫🛬

[@skyking228]

Kelsey never shows us any of this super cool stuff. Congrats on 3M. Thanks!

[@DaMainDude]

Love that guy haha Actually everyone seems extremely friendly there.

[@maiconandremallmann4410]

You’re a lucky guy Sam, and the captain is really a gentleman serving you with that caviar. Sam, as Brazilian citizen, would be great if you could a video inside of a cargo or a regular flight landing in our busiest airports (Viracopos, Guarulhos or Galeão).

[@dhanapalvictor6227]

Azerbaijan is super

[@nagasako7]

Baku competing with Dubai/HK cargo must be very lucrative for them. And keeping 747 Alive is plus

[@samaanalkhaldi2364]

Imagin a Boeing 777F, built using composite materials like the 787, and having a nose door. It will be the perfect replacement for the 747F 🙏

[@cuttercarlo547]

well, it seems that i‘ll have to visit Azerbaidjan, lovely people :)

[@hxmidthxlxdxndxry9649]

this amazing machine flew over me today, such an amazing experience.

[@kentd4762]

What a delightful video/experience. Good for you, Sam, and good for us tagging along. It was great to see and learn more about Azerbaijan and her people, and to see what appears to be a very well run cargo airline. I'm afraid I hadn't heard of them before. No other commercial aircraft has ever matched elegance, graceful beauty and power /utility of the 747. Simply an incredible aircraft all-around.

[@dismoptism5541]

The first class caviar with a plastic fork out of the tin on a cargo flight is just something else 😂🤣😅

[@GaiusCaesarAugustusGermanicus.]

A fading giant in the world of aviation. Reduced to transporting cargo. I see at least one take off from SEATAC everyday and it is a sight that is amazing every single time.

[@Michael_Scott_Howard]

1st class, professional pilots!!!

[@bobjes1000]

thank you dear friend, for showing us the air in all ways, now! with great love always

[@lukass7474]

Back when I was 8, I remember my father used to fly for Silkway West. he now works for Cargolux.

[@supericeman1]

I love Sam's unique adventures, always a treat to see the the behind the scenes and unique flights that's common in one country and so rare in another

[@jwwj30]

Thanks again Sam for going behind the curtains, to reveal how our much needed cargo is efficiently shipped around the Globe. In this case, aside from the pilots, the loadmaster must be top notch at his craft. Very friendly pilot & an excellent airline to fly with.