OREANDA-NEWS. April 12, 2012. ANTONOV Company and Volga-Dnepr Group of Companies submitted joint proposal to the tender announced by NATO for fulfilment of strategic air transportations within the SALIS (Strategic Airlift Interim Solution) programme.

The partners offer wide abilities of united fleet of the AN-124-100 Ruslan heavy cargo airplanes and their modifications belonging to Antonov Airlines, which is air transport subdivision of ANTONOV Company, and Volga-Dnepr.

This Ukrainian-Russian alliance 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 of united fleet of ANTONOV and Volga-Dnepr were involved in strategic air transportations in the interests 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 headquarter in Leipzig.

Since March 2006, by the SALIS programme, Ruslans performed more than 2100 flights, carries more than 120000 t of military- and civil-purpose cargoes throughout the world. In January 2007, maintenance center for these airplanes were opened in Leipzig-Halle airport (Germany). Owing to this, time required for preparation of the Ruslan flight was reduced and readiness for the aircraft take off was provided during less than 72 hours. In such a way the partners created an effective mechanism consisting of airplanes, crews, complex of maintenance and organization of air transportations.

Performing the customer’s requirements precisely, the partners pay a great attention to accuracy and legality of financial operations. Since 2006, audit of the Ruslan SALIS activity has been constantly performed during the whole financial year by internal auditing service of the company. Annually, the company’s activity is audited by Ernst & Young company, which is recognized among seven best auditing companies of the world. The auditor's conclusion is submitted to tax inspectorate of Germany.

Using Ruslans in the SALIS programme provided strengthening of the Ukraine’s position on the international level. That is why, prolongation of ANTONOV participation in this programme is an important state task. According to President -- General Designer of ANTONOV Company Dmytro Kiva, “we will do our best to provide effective development of established and reliable usage of Ruslans within the SALIS programme”.