Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - Anyone Know anything about Azerbaijan Air

Hi,
I may be taking a trip to the Middle East for work. I will be flying to Dubai first on EK than from DXB-Baku on Azerbaijan Air. I just have a few questions about Azerbaijan Air .

1. Are they non-smoking?
2. Are the planes new?
3. How is the Business Class on the DXB-Baku route?
4. Is it safe to fly this route.

Thanks
Ben

I flew Azer. Airlines (J2) from GYD-TBS in C class about a year ago. The aircraft was an older but clean A-319, configured with only two rows in C as I recall. Flight was uneventful, on time, with good service and friendly FAs, but nothing like EK. The flights are non-smoking. I'm pretty sure J2 runs a 757 on the longer DXB-GYD route so I can't comment on that aircraft. Compared to some other CIS airlines I have flown, J2 was a pleasant surprise and I would fly them again.

Is this the only option for you? Any ex-Soviet country's airline makes me nervous including Russia.

Is this the only option for you? Any ex-Soviet country's airline makes me nervous including Russia.

Been on Aeroflot recently?

Been on Aeroflot recently?

Nope, apologies if it has improved.

Nope, apologies if it has improved.

It's almost world class. There are still a few old guzzlers in the fleet flying within Russia, and the SVO2 renovation hasn't been completed (so the terminal and lounges retain a bit of a Soviet feel), but in the air it beats an awful lot of airlines in terms of longhaul seat, food, service etc...
There are some rough airlines in the CIS, but most of them are charter operators and very small regional players.

I think Azerbaijan Air is the only airline that flys between Dubai-Baku.

I just want to know if it is safe to fly this airline and if its cabin service in Business is good.

Delete

Ben, if you don't get an answer but still need info, can you let us know if you found an answer elsewhere?
The Airline Quality and similar customer-reviewed awards (in addition to InsideFlyer's Freddie awards) might be a good starting point.

Alternatively, contact Travel Agents specialising in travel to former Eastern-bloc states, particularly those who have had recent experience and passenger feedback. ^

I would do a google search of 'Azerbaijan Air' and try a few other terms e.g. Trip Report, Awards, Business Class etc.
Good luck with the research.

I think Azerbaijan Air is the only airline that flys between Dubai-Baku.

I just want to know if it is safe to fly this airline and if its cabin service in Business is good.

This is the only fatal crash I could find - everyone killed on an Antonov turboprop in late 2005..

Is your TA not able to find an EU carrier via their hub? I'd even consider Aeroflot (if they are using an Airbus or Boeing that is on the route)

CJ:)

Have flown them frequently a couple of years ago, both on the London & Dubai route. Found C quite good (when compared to BA at the time and even LH with the A300...). International flights are fine. They have a tendency so to be flexible with the schedule sometimes...

JNBHEL

I think Azerbaijan Air is the only airline that flys between Dubai-Baku.

I just want to know if it is safe to fly this airline and if its cabin service in Business is good.