OREANDA-NEWS. July 19, 2012. NAMSA (NATO Maintenance and Support Agency), representing NATO interests in the SALIS  (Strategic Airlift Interim Solution) programme, informed, that Ruslan SALIS GmbH, which is joint venture of ANTONOV Company (Ukraine) and Volga-Dnepr group of companies, won the tender on carrying out strategic air transportations in the NATO’s interests.  In the letter from the tender committee, in particular, was noted: "Ruslan SALIS is the only firm to fully meet our technical requirements".

At present, NAMSA and Ruslan SALIS entered into post-tender negotiation to conclude mutually beneficial contract to be in force during 2013-2014. In such way, Ruslans will continue operation in the NATO’s interests.

Alliance of ANTONOV and Volga-Dnepr has long-term positive experience of operation within the SALIS programme. According to the Contract, signed in the beginning of 2006, up to six Ruslans from the combined fleet of ANTONOV and Volga-Dnepr were involved in strategic air transportation on behalf of 18 countries (Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom)  participating in the programme. To provide effective interaction with the customer and coordinate operation of the united fleet within the programme, the partners have established a joint venture called Ruslan SALIS with headquarters in Leipzig.  

In January 2007, a maintenance centre for these airplanes was opened in Leipzig-Halle airport (Germany). As a result, time required for mobilizaton of the Ruslan fleet was reduced and readiness of the aircraft for take off was provided during less than 72 hours.  In such a way the partners created an effective mechanism consisting of airplanes, crews, maintenance and organization of air transport.