Maximus rejuvenates its Ilyushin fleet with US$10 million overhaul

MAXIMUS Air Cargo has extended its Ilyushin fleet lifespan by an initial of seven years, by undertaking a US$10 million overhaul, reports UK AirCargo News.

Each comprehensive overhaul takes six months to complete. The overhaul and upgrade programme is being undertaken with Aviazapchast in conjunction with the Ilyushin Design Bureau.

The Russian Federation Ryazan Plant 360 has already completed one aircraft, the second is on its way, and the third will fly to Russia in January.

The three IL-76TD freighters were produced in 1992 and acquired by Maximus in 2005.

"Safety is the first issue," said Maximus president and CEO Fathi Hilal Buhazza. "Our three aircraft are among the very few to be overhauled. Very rarely do any of the other IL-76TDs operate from many ex-Soviet countries receive the same care and attention.

"More restrictions have been placed by EU legislation on aging aircraft on the grounds of safety and security. Given our substantial investment in life extending major overhaul programme, this only benefits the Maximus Air Cargo fleet and will continue to do so in the next seven years and beyond."