New IL-76TD-90VD freighter enters Volga-Dnepr service

THE second new generation IL-76TD-90VD freighter has joined the permanent Volga-Dnepr Airlines' fleet after completing commercial flight tests from Sweden to the United States.

The 50-tonnes freighter carried a 32.5-tonne consignment from Gothenburg to Washington for Geodis Wilson Denmark. a load that included a 24.5-tonne armoured vehicle and a 20-foot container.

The aircraft was built for Volga-Dnepr by TAPO (Tashkent Aircraft Factory). The delivery of three more IL-76TD-90VD - from TAPO is expected between 2009 and 2010. Meeting all ICAO requirements, this modified freighter has significantly developed the market for IL-76 ramp freighter services worldwide.

Separately, Volga-Dnepr Group has announced new management appointments: Denis Ilyin is now senior vice president for strategy and sales, AirBridgeCargo; Gennady Pivovarov is appointed senior vice president, general director, AirBridgeCargo Airlines and Sergey Dyachkov now becomes general director of Volga-Dnepr Airline.

"We highly appreciate the work done by Stan Wraight, who resigned as Volga-Dnepr Group vice president," said Volga-Dnepr president Alexey Isaikin. "His invaluable experience, scheduled cargo market expertise and leading personality became the cornerstone of the management team's success. Now we aim to continue achieving high growth attract skilled experts from the aviation industry."

Today, there are 126 foreign employees working in Volga-Dnepr's international team (the group employs 2,300). AirBridgeCargo Airlines, one of the key business units of the group, employs top 20 managers, 60 per cent of whom have been recruited from the international aviation industry, said a company statement.