Volga-Dnepr Airlines delivers Express AM5 and Express AM6 satellites from Canada to Russia

Two IL-76TD-90VD freighters operated by Volga-Dnepr Airlines have safely delivered highly-sensitive Express AM5 and Express AM6 satellites from Montreal in Canada, to Krasnoyarsk, Russia.

The container used to move the satellites was equipped with a special temperature control system to ensure the valuable satellites were protected throughout the transportation process. During a scheduled technical stop in Haan Airport in Germany a diesel generator was connected to the container to keep the cargo at the required constant temperature.

Following completion of the first IL-76TD-90VD flight, Volga-Dnepr organized the logistics to move the special satellite container back to Canada to prepare the second satellite for its delivery to Russia. In support of the customer’s request, Volga-Dnepr arranged for the container to be trucked to Saint Petersburg, from where it continued its journey to Canada by sea transport.

Despite the severe weather conditions caused by Superstorm Sandy raging along the coast of North America and low visibility in Krasnoyarsk during the second flight, the transportation project was successfully and safely completed due to the professionalism of Volga-Dnepr staff.

Weighing more than eight tons each, Express AM5 and Express AM6 satellites of the Russian and Canadian joint production will be used in Russia for multi-program digital television and radio broadcasting as well as for supplying the mobile presidential and governmental communications in the Russian Federation with a package of services including telephony, video conferencing, data transmission and internet access. The launch of the satellites is scheduled for 2013.