Two decades from the summit of the Caspian air cargo: Thinking about its journey from Baku to the world

When Lars-Gunnar Comén fell for the first time in Baku in 2005, he admits that he is not sure what to expect. At that time, Azerbaijan was still far from the rapid economy today, and the idea of ​​launching a new international shipping conference was a gambling.

“I have been invited about 20 years ago by Silk Way to come to Baku and discuss if we may start a new conference here,” he remembers comén. “After a year, in 2006, we made the first summit of air cargo in Caspian, and this is now the tenth edition.”

Since then, this event has grown to become one of the most industrial communities in the region, attracting transport companies, charges, processors and technology providers from all over continents. What started as a small experience has become a key player in the global air charging calendar.

Watch an interview with Lars-Gunnar Comén Online:

Building something new in Baku

Comén, the director of Euroavia International, organized airline events in Europe when it was first contacted by Silk Way. The initial stadium was simple: Can Baku host a new type of conference that would put the Caspian area on the industry map?

“When I came to Baku for the first time, the city was not the same, and not in the same country – it was completely different,” he said. “But it was amazing to come here, and it was very easy for me to decide that this might be a special thing.”

The first summit took place at the Hayat Hotel in May 2006.

He said in an interview with ACW: “From the start I felt that this could be a special thing,” he said in an interview with ACW. “Working with the Caspian summit has always been very fun. It is a big task, not always easy, but every version we managed to create something new, better and better.”

Growth with the Silk and Industry Road

Reflecting the growth of the summit Way way itself. In 2006, the airline was still a relatively small regional player. Today, Silk Way West Airlines runs a fleet of wide shipping companies and leads the development of an airport with billions of dollars in Alaat.

“During these twenty years, they were growing from a very small local airline to a global main shipping company,” Kumin pointed out. “They were also the success factor for my event, because the Caspian summit has become well known and very large, and we always attract very good speakers of all continents.”

Content maturity also. Russian Patlioala, Chairman of the Chapman Friedburn Board of Directors, summoned in a closing conversation this year that early presentations are often composed of text slices that burden the word. He said, “I thought, Wow, we have a long way to cut it.” “Things have changed – today, the quality of speakers and amazing presentations.”

Continuity and relationships

For Comén, the most important was the people who returned year after year. He said: “What makes this event unique is the length of relationships. Many delegates have been with us from the beginning.”

Wolfgang Meier, President and CEO of Silk Way West Airlines. “At that time, we had 80 participants – and I bet that 60 of these people are still with us,” he said during the painting. “This is an achievement, and he talks about the generosity of hospitality in this country.”

Kumin says that this continuity is not only related to communication, but is related to confidence. The business culture in the region places high value on long -term partnerships, and the summit has become a platform in which these relationships are strengthened.

A mixture of business and culture

Part of the event’s identity is a mixture of discussion in the dangerous industry with unforgettable social moments. Over the years, the delegates have switched off billiards games late at night, cultural tours, and even unexpected meetings with snakes during the early peaks.

“This is not always easy, but it is fun – we always can create something new every time, better and better.” He says this balance is the reason that the event is highlighted in a crowded global calendar.

While the Caspian Air Cargo Summit summit represents the tenth version, Comén reflects its journey, but it is careful for its future. The industry has changed beyond recognition since 2006, formed by digitization, e -commerce growth, and the transformation of geopolitical trade methods. Azerbaijan is now invested heavily in logistical services, as the new ARAPORT project seeks to place the country as a major crossing center.

He said: “When such a strong base creates and adopts such a strong axis, it puts the country in a stronger position. It creates jobs, creates opportunities, and develops the entire logistical services sector.”

The tenth edition of the Caspian Air Cargo:

• The tenth edition of the Caspian Air Cargo Summit summit, hosted by Silk Way West Airlines at the BAKU Conference Center, concluded with standard participation and major ads, which enhances Azerbaijan as a strategic center on the map of the global logistics.
• More than 400 delegates from more than 45 countries, including DSV, Boeing, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, ATLAS AIR WorldWIDE, ACL AIRSHOP, HACTL, Kales Group and other international companies, gathered in Baku to discuss the future of air freight, logistics, logistics and transportation Multiple.
• The summit highlighted the ambitious growth strategy of Silk Way and the increasing role of Azerbaijan in European logistics services. The center of these plans is the ALAT Free Economic Zone Airport & Cargo Village project, which covers 750 hectares.