Volga-Dnepr Airlines has operated six AN-124-100 charters, transporting 48 street sterilisation vehicles from China to the United Arab Emirates. The special flights delivered the trucks from Shanghai to Dubai for final destination Abu Dhabi, where the vehicles will be used for a “National Disinfection Programme” in preventative action against COVID-19.

All flights were in cooperation with Volga-Dnepr Airline’s long-term partner and colleague in the heavy-lift market – Maximus Air. Each flight was loaded with 8 trucks, utilising 3 aircraft within a 4-day period– made possible by the world’s largest fleet of AN-124-100s.

The Volga-Dnepr Group has been operating multiple charter flights daily as the international community battles against the spread of COVID-19. The full fleets of Volga-Dnepr Airlines, Air Bridge Cargo and Atran have all been utilised to meet the demand for transporting vast volumes of air freight worldwide. Whilst the majority of commodities flown have been PPE, the Volga-Dnepr charter team have also been delivering crucial oversized/ heavy-lift equipment to support global health infrastructures. The range of air cargo flown, is enabled by the diverse fleet that is unique to the Volga-Dnepr Group.

Through thirty-years of experience in supporting international aid and relief efforts, the Volga-Dnepr team is qualified to mitigate the challenges of the current global crisis. From years of participating in various emergency response programmes, Volga-Dnepr’s accumulated know-how enables it to overcome the new dynamic conditions of the air freight industry, particularly when transporting oversized/ heavy-lift cargo, wh ere the Group’s foundations lie.

Humanitarian Director for Volga-Dnepr Group, Stuart Smith, has highlighted how the response from the three airlines have been able to support its partners; “Volga-Dnepr Group’s ability to provide customised solutions during this critical period is demonstrated by our incredible number of daily charters transporting medical and sanitary equipment. All four aircraft types operated by the Volga-Dnepr Group have been flying around the clock to keep international supply chains open. Each aircraft type is able to uniquely provide different solutions depending on the needs of our customers in the air freight industry. The six AN-124-100s operated on behalf of Maximus, exemplify the range of services that Volga-Dnepr can provide - transporting air freight of all sizes to all destinations; services that are proven by the recognition of our valued piers in the industry.”