OREANDA-NEWS. On 22 July 2009 was announced, that half-year 2009 traffic figures for Volga-Dnepr Group, the leading Russian charter and scheduled cargo airline operator, shows it is weathering the economic downturn better than its Russian competitors.

Volga-Dnepr has reported a 5% drop to 835,000 ton/kilometers for the six months ended June 30th, 2009. It says other Russian carriers faced an average decline of between 19% and 23% in domestic and international operations over the period.

AirBridgeCargo Airlines, the Group’s scheduled cargo airline, saw its turnover increase for the half year by 5% to achieve 551,000 ton/kilometres.

Over the six month period, AirBridgeCargo transported 65,100 tons of freight, a year-on-year increase in performance of 4.6%.

AirBridgeCargo Airlines added three new European destinations to its network during this time; Maastricht (Netherlands), Milan (Italy), Saragossa (Spain).

Charter freight turnover reduced to 284,000 ton/kilometres between January-June.

Total cargo tonnage delivered by Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ АN-124-100 freighter fleet increased by 1.2% to achieve 37,800 tons.

The percentage of the Group’s turnover from long-term contracts reached 61%.

Commenting on the half-year results, Alexey Isaikin, President of Volga-Dnepr Group, said the Group had been able to remain stable in such a challenging global market by sticking to its strategic goals and continuing to successfully develop its ‘Cargo Supermarket’ business model, which offers customers a unique and comprehensive package of logistic services for both charter and scheduled air services. This approach has enabled the Group to use its aircraft fleet capabilities - consisting of the most competitive Russian and foreign made freighters – most efficiently. He added that the synergy between the Group’s two main businesses for scheduled and charter cargo operations will continue to guarantee Volga-Dnepr’s stability during the current economic crisis.