OREANDA-NEWS. August 3, 2007. Volga-Dnepr Group’s second new-build IL-76TD-90VD freighter aircraft has commenced acceptance testing at the Chkalov TAPO production plant in Russia prior to joining the airline’s commercial fleet in the third quarter of 2007.

Volga-Dnepr took delivery of the first ever IL-76TD-90VD in June 2006. Compliant with current and future regulatory requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and approved for worldwide operations without restrictions, Volga-Dnepr’s first IL-76TD-90VD has since restarted services to prime markets such as Europe, North America, Australia and Japan. These were closed to older versions of the IL-76 in 2000 due to noise level restrictions.

Volga-Dnepr’s second aircraft has been financed by Sberbank through a seven-year line of credit for 450 million rubles to Volga-Dnepr Leasing.

Volga-Dnepr Group commenced its programme to modernise the unique Ilyushin IL-76TD freighter in 2002 and, two years later, Volga-Dnepr Leasing was established to lead the project.

The modernised aircraft is equipped with PS-90A-76 engines and the advanced Kupol-III-76MVD aircraft navigation system. The IL-76TD-90VD has a higher cargo payload of 50 tonnes and an extended maximum flight range. As well as reducing the frequency of maintenance checks, the new aircraft also reduces the number of flight crew required.

The new Ilyushin IL-76TD-90VD aircraft is the most fuel efficient ramp aircraft for transportation of cargoes in the 20-50 tonnes weight range. The cost of transporting one tonne of freight using the IL-76TD-90VD is around half the cost of moving cargo on a Hercules freighter, the only equivalent western aircraft.

Volga-Dnepr Group plans to continue the IL-76 modernisation programme. The Group forecasts a demand for 15-20 IL-76TD-90VD freighters by 2015. At the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget in June 2007, Volga-Dnepr signed an agreement with Ilyushin Company to order three more IL-76TD-90VD aircraft for delivery in 2008/9. As a result, Volga-Dnepr Group will have a fleet of five modern IL-76TD-90VD aircraft by 2010.

Andrew Pakhomov, Technical Director of Volga-Dnepr Leasing, said: "The IL-76TD-90VD is an important aircraft in Volga-Dnepr’s fleet and its unique operating capabilities make it an extremely popular aircraft with our customers all over the world. In 2006, the new aircraft generated the third highest contribution to the Group’s revenue and profitability and its performance exceeded all expectations. The arrival of the second new aircraft will strengthen our leading position in the IL-76 global market."