Volga-Dnepr's new generation IL-76TD-90VD freighter aircraft has successfully completed its first flight to and from the US, the first IL-76 commercial flights in the US market since old versions of the aircraft were banned under ICAO noise restrictions in 2000. The flight from Detroit underlined the return of the IL-76 freighter to the world's major cargo markets. The ban on old IL-76s restricted the aircraft from operating to its former prime markets in Western Europe, North America, … [Read more...] about RUSSIA: First IL-76 freighter flight to US
Air Shipping Asia
RUSSIA: Ruslan International aids A380 tests
Ruslan International, using an AN- 124-100 freighter supplied by Volga- Dnepr Airlines, has helped to play a pivotal role in the latest stage of testing of the new Airbus A380. The giant Airbus aircraft had to undergo further cold weather tests in Iqaluit, Canada's northernmost city, last month as part of its certification programme. Iqaluit's cold weather conditions attract major aircraft manufacturers and military groups as part of the certification process for new aircraft and … [Read more...] about RUSSIA: Ruslan International aids A380 tests
MIDDLE EAST: SkyCargo launches cargo service to Djibouti
Emirates SkyCargo last month introduced an once-weekly A310-300F freighter service from Dubai to Djibouti, which is Emirates' 15th African destination. The A310-300F offers a gross payload of 39 tonnes. To Djibouti, Emirates SkyCargo is expecting to carry manufactured and consumer goods, machinery and IT equipment from around its network, particularly from the Indian Subcontinent and the Far East. Djibouti exports will include personal effects. The route may expand to include … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: SkyCargo launches cargo service to Djibouti
MIDDLE EAST: Dubai DCA starts restructuring
The Dubai Department of Civil Aviation has commenced implementation of a project to restructure its organisational set up, the Khaleej Times reported. The proposal, which is linked to the Dubai Strategic Plan 2007-2015, was approved late last year by Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of DCA and chairman of Emirates Group. The implementation of the restructuring project began late last year under an internal project team and will be completed over the next three months. … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Dubai DCA starts restructuring
INDIA: FDI in cargo airlines to go up
The Indian Government is considering a proposal to allow foreign airlines to pick up a minority stake in domestic cargo airline operations. "The Ministry has proposed allowing 100 FDI in sea plane, helicopter operations and setting up of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. Besides, we are also considering whether to allow foreign airlines to pick up a stake of up to 49 per cent in cargo airline," the Minister for Civil Aviation, Praful Patel said. At present the … [Read more...] about INDIA: FDI in cargo airlines to go up
INDIA: IA’s ‘Indian Cargo’ from July
Indian Airlines (IA) is planning tostart a dedicated freighter service fromJuly, the chairman and managing director,Dr V. Trivedi, said "We are likely tocall the new operations Indian cargo.The launch of the new service will notaffect the ongoing merger process.When the merger process gets underway,Indian cargo can be merged withthe new entity," Dr. Trivedi said. The airline has already announcedthat it would be launching the freighterservice by converting five Boeing 737-200 aircraft into … [Read more...] about INDIA: IA’s ‘Indian Cargo’ from July