Volga-Dnepr Group, Motor Sich OJSC and Antonov Design Bureau announce agreement on resumed production of AN-124-100 freighters

ZHUKOVSKY: At the MAKS-2007 International Airshow in Russia, Volga-Dnepr Group, Motor Sich OJSC and Antonov Design Bureau announced the completion of a further stage in the project for AN-124-100 Ruslan freighter modernization and certification of a new АN-124-100М-150 cargo aircraft, and signed an agreement for resumed production and modernization of the existing fleet of this unique aircraft.

Upon signing, Volga-Dnepr and ADB expressed their intention to extend their fleets with modernized АN-124-100М-150 freighters and place an order for 17 freighters within the resumed production framework. Motor Sich is ready to modernize its D-18Т series IV engine for this aircraft.

ADB also confirmed that they will join the ranks of shareholders of GLA Cargo Aircraft, the joint venture established in December 2006 by Volga-Dnepr and Motor Sich to manage the AN-124-100 resumed production project.

Therefore, the agreement defines the terms of AN-124-100 modernization. The stages of fleet modernization are as follows:

• Installation of brand new navigation systems
• Development of design documents and blueprints for the modernized freighter equipped with А-820М complex
• Introduction of a modernized brake system and reverse thrust
• Further application of noise reduction system

The АN-124-100 Ruslan is a unique freighter with an unmatched combination of capacity, range and cost efficiency in the world market. The Ruslan is the only freighter to carry cargoes up to 150 tons and 6.5 metres in diameter. The aircraft has earned a global reputation for its unique capability and customers for Volga-Dnepr’s AN-124 services include major global players such as General Electric, The Boeing Company, General Motors, Ford, British Petroleum, Mitsubishi, BMW, Airbus, Siemens, Rosoboronexport and other major oil and production companies.

The unique and outsize cargo market served by ramp freighters is rapidly developing at up to 9 per cent per annum faster than the scheduled cargo market. In 2006, the total market was valued at $0.7 billion (1.7 per cent of the global cargo market) and volumes are permanently increasing. By 2020, the market is expected to be worth over $3 billion, growing by 2030 to more than $7 billion.