November 13 - One of Volga-Dnepr Airlines' IL-76ТD-90VD aircraft has made its first landing on an ice airfield in Antarctica, opening up significant opportunities to support exploration projects on the continent.
It performed its first landing at the Novolazarevskaya Antarctic Research Station airfield.
The aircraft completed a series of runs on the runway to check performance capability and define the engine reverse thrust application range, and in doing so extended Volga-Dnepr's flight operations to all seven continents.
Georgy Sokolov, sales director of Volga-Dnepr UK, said: "Obtaining approval to fly to adverse weather regions expands Volga-Dnepr Airlines' operating boundaries. Active exploration of the Arctic and Antarctic regions is currently underway, and with the IL-76ТD-90VD airplane meeting ICAO's existing and advanced requirements, and, most importantly, being fitted with environment friendly engines, it will provide a reliable transport solution for our customers. We have already started implementing a major project in Antarctica for Antarctic Logistics Centre International."
