A third IL-76TD-90VD freighter is to join Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ fleet in April, taking the group’s investment in the modernized aircraft to over US$90 million.
The IL-76TD-90VD has a capacity of 50 tonnes and is capable of transporting outsized cargo to practically any airfield worldwide.
Old versions of the IL-76 have been banned from Europe’s skies since 2000 after failing to meet noise and emissions requirements imposed by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The IL-76TD-90VD’s transport cost per tonne of cargo is half the cost of using a C130 Hercules.
The Group expects its investment in the 50 tonnes capacity ramp loading freighter to double as more new aircraft join its fleet to meet demand. Volga-Dnepr has already signed a contract for another two aircraft which are scheduled for delivery in 2011.
Dennis Gliznoutsa, group commercial director (charters) for Volga-Dnepr, pointed out that the IL-76TD-90VD could operate a direct flight from Europe to Kabul and it was also the only aircraft capable of delivering urgently-needed relief supplies from the USA and Canada to Haiti after the recent earthquake.”
