VOLGA-DNEPR AIRLINE RECEIVES AN OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF IATA MEMBERSHIP

Moscow, July 8, 2004. The presentation of the official certificate has marked a final phase of Volga-Dnepr’s admission process to this authoritative international air transport organization. In autumn 2003, Volga-Dnepr Airline underwent a complex audit, targeted at deciding whether the company’s operations satisfy the operational quality standards for IATA membership. The audit was carried out in several directions: organizational structure, flight safety management, aviation security management, in-flight operations, quality systems, personnel training, maintenance, engineering services, crisis management. The audit’s results proved that Volga-Dnepr Airline conforms to the IATA requirements, and in some cases the company’s standards even surpass those of the Association.

During the formal ceremony, taken place at Volga-Dnepr’s Moscow office, Dimitri Shamraev, Regional Representative of IATA in Russia and the CIS, said: “Admission of Volga-Dnepr, one of the most eminent representatives of the Russian air freight industry, to IATA has become a logical step in the company’s strategy aimed at entering the scheduled cargo market. We are very pleased to have Volga Dnepr on board, who having become an Active Member of IATA will contribute to the purposes of the Association - promoting safe and efficient air transport. In turn, IATA can offer many professional solutions to effective operation of the airline”.

“IATA membership for us is an opportunity to extend our knowledge, and further improve our operational standards and quality for our customers. In the context of our Scheduled Cargo Operations Project, the experience generated by IATA in the sector is truly priceless for us,” – said Alexey Isaikin, President of Volga-Dnepr Group.

Volga-Dnepr Airline joined IATA in late 2002, but in accordance with the existing practice, the corresponding certificate is usually presented to an airline only after an audit confirming compliance with the IATA requirements has been successfully completed.