July 2 - Volga-Dnepr Airlines has added a fifth new IL-76TD-90VD cargo aircraft to its fleet. The modernised 50 tonnes capacity freighter performed its first commercial flight last month.

In line with Volga-Dnepr's four previous versions of the aircraft, the new Ilyushin was produced at the Chkalov Aviation Factory in Tashkent under the terms of a contract signed by OAK-Transport Aircraft and Volga-Dnepr Leasing during the Moscow Air Show in 2007. 

According to Andrew Pakhomov, general director of Volga-Dnepr Leasing, OAK and the Chkalov Factory have discharged in full their respective obligations in connection with construction of all five IL-76TD-90VDs for Volga-Dnepr Group. 

He said: "At the present time a programme of further acquisitions of more IL-76TD-90VDs is being considered to reinforce Volga-Dnepr Airlines' fleet. The aircraft has successfully demonstrated its excellent performance capability in the international air cargo market and therefore Volga-Dnepr Group forecasts it needs to expand its Ilyushin fleet to 20 airplanes by 2030." 

The IL-76 modernisation programme was initiated by Volga-Dnepr Group in 2002 and the first IL-76TD-90VD was put into commercial operation in summer 2006.

The airline says that the IL-76TD-90VD meets all current and future ICAO standards and can operate globally without any limitations. It is powered by PS-90A-76 engines and advance avionics, including the Integrated Flight and Navigation System KUPOL-III-76MVD.

www.volga-dnepr.com

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