OREANDA-NEWS. The second new generation IL-76TD-90VD freighter to join the Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ fleet has successfully completed its first commercial flight from Sweden to the United States after the airline took delivery of the aircraft in a special ceremony at Ulyanovsk-Vostochny Airport.

The 50 tonnes capacity freighter carried a 32.5 tonnes load from Gothenburg to Washington for Geodis Wilson Denmark A/S. The shipment included a 24.5 tonne armoured vehicle and a 20 foot container of equipment.

The aircraft was built for Volga-Dnepr by TAPO (Tashkent Aircraft Factory). The delivery of three more IL-76TD-90VD – to be built by TAPO under the order placed by Volga-Dnepr Airlines with MAK Ilyushin in August – is expected between 2009 and 2010.

The first IL-76TD-90VD joined Volga-Dnepr’s fleet in summer 2006. Meeting all ICAO requirements, this modified freighter has significantly developed the market for IL-76 ramp freighter services worldwide. In 2006, IL-76 services represented a 29% share of all Volga-Dnepr flights and contributed 16% of the Group’s total sales.

Dennis Gliznoutsa, Commercial Director of Volga-Dnepr Airlines, said: “The arrival of our second IL-76TD-90VD aircraft is a big boost because of the level of demand for the new IL-76 from customers around the world. Since joining the fleet in the second quarter of 2006, our first aircraft has operated in Europe, the US, Australia and Japan – all markets closed to older versions of the IL-76 because of noise restrictions imposed in 2000.

“With the arrival of our second aircraft and Volga-Dnepr Group’s recent order for three more IL-76TD-90VD freighters for delivery in 2009/10, we will stay at the forefront of worldwide IL-76 cargo operations. The IL-76 is a unique and highly popular freighter and this new version has the added benefits of higher capacity, longer range and other operating efficiencies.”