newstodate.aero
Nov 18, 2016 (newstodate): The deep split and hostilities between Russia and Ukraine have now forced the Antonov An-124-100 freighter joint venture, Ruslan International, to an end on December 31, 2016.
Set up in 2006, Ruslan International was conceived to market a joint fleet of 17 An-124-100 freighters operated by two airlines Antonov Airlines and Volga-Dnepr Airlines.
The Russian Volga-Dnepr Group's business collaboration with Ukraine's Antonov will however continue for the technical aspects of airworthiness and flight safety support of its An-124-100 fleet, keeping the aircraft in the air.
Recently, Volga-Dnepr threatened to set up its own technical base for the AN-124 operations in Russia to cut ties entirely with its former Ukrainian partner, but retreated as Antonov still holds the legal rights for the large freighter aircraft's certification.
Performing its first flight in 1982, the AN-124 outsize and heavyweight cargo aircraft offering a capacity of up to 150 tonnes remains crucial in serving the global airfreight market with unique services.
The AN-124 freighter is also crucial to NATO that signed a contract with Ruslan International for a Strategic Airlift Interim Solution, SALIS, in 2006, for the stationing of two AN-124-100 aircraft at Leipzig Halle Airport, while another four AN-124 aircraft will be allocated upon request as needed by the NATO and EU members of SALIS.
After a recent extension of the contract, the SALIS cooperation will expire by the end of 2016.
Set up in 2006, Ruslan International was conceived to market a joint fleet of 17 An-124-100 freighters operated by two airlines Antonov Airlines and Volga-Dnepr Airlines.
The Russian Volga-Dnepr Group's business collaboration with Ukraine's Antonov will however continue for the technical aspects of airworthiness and flight safety support of its An-124-100 fleet, keeping the aircraft in the air.
Recently, Volga-Dnepr threatened to set up its own technical base for the AN-124 operations in Russia to cut ties entirely with its former Ukrainian partner, but retreated as Antonov still holds the legal rights for the large freighter aircraft's certification.
Performing its first flight in 1982, the AN-124 outsize and heavyweight cargo aircraft offering a capacity of up to 150 tonnes remains crucial in serving the global airfreight market with unique services.
The AN-124 freighter is also crucial to NATO that signed a contract with Ruslan International for a Strategic Airlift Interim Solution, SALIS, in 2006, for the stationing of two AN-124-100 aircraft at Leipzig Halle Airport, while another four AN-124 aircraft will be allocated upon request as needed by the NATO and EU members of SALIS.
After a recent extension of the contract, the SALIS cooperation will expire by the end of 2016.