Volga-Dnepr Expands IL-76 Fleet

Russia’s Volga-Dnepr Airlines has added a fourth modernized IL-76TD-90VD cargo aircraft to its fleet. The plane is designed to carry cargoes up to 50 tons, filling a need in the international cargo market.

“The demand for modernized IL-76TD-90VD services is due to its ability to operate globally without restrictions and because older versions of the aircraft are gradually being taken off the market,” Dennis Gliznoutsa, vice president for Volga-Dnepr sales, said in a statement.

Built by the Tashkent Chkalov Aviation Factory, the new freighter successfully completed its first commercial flight on December 31 from Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport to Bahrain before returning to Moscow. The new aircraft was delivered from Tashkent to Ulyanovsk, Russia, in November.

The air carrier plans to take delivery of a fifth IL-76 in May 2012.

Photo shows new IL-76, courtesy of Volga-Dnepr.