Azeri Airways | Boeing 727-200Adv | 4K-22195 | 1991-1996

Wanting to distance itself from the Soviet Union, and present a better image in Europe, Azeri Airways started seeking out Western-built aircraft. The second-hand market was a safe bet for the newly-formed airline, and, in early 1993, it picked up 7 used 727-200Adv's, to be used on flights to Europe. In July of that year, Azeri started flying from Baku to Athens and Rome with the 727. Istanbul followed, while many of the airline's European routes were taken over by the 727. However, the Boeing trijet had a disadvantage compared to the TU-154s the airline was using: it had significantly less range. However, Azeri was pleased with the 727's performance and the company started looking into other Boeing jets to fuel its expansion. At the same time, it turned again to the second-hand market to find an interim solution for flights to Western Europe.

4K-22195 was the first 727 delivered to the airline. It came equipped with 12 Business Class seats and 138 Economy Class seats. The jet started its life in the United States in 1979, where it stayed until late 1992, when it was stored. It stayed with the airline until July 2005 (12 years after it was introduced, and 6 months before the type's retirement from the Azeri fleet) when it was sold on to an operator in Africa.