Volga-Dnepr Gulf has successfully released the unique customized aircraft for IRON MAIDEN rock-band

During the period 9 January through 17 February 2016 an ex-Air France B747-400 aircraft, contracted by Air Atlanta to VD Gulf, underwent major rework, painting, cabin reconfiguration and customization for IRON MAIDEN rock-band World Tour called “The book of souls” on behalf of Air Atlanta Icelandic by VD Gulf staff at VD Gulf main hangar in Sharjah, UAE.

The transformation of the aircraft from Air France livery to Iron Maiden was a unique, the work was done meticulously and was and exciting project to VD Gulf Engineers and technicians. The project was monitored and closely followed up by Iron Maiden (the product user), Icelandic Civil Aviation (the regulatory body), Air Atlanta Icelandic (the owner of the aircraft) and by every VD Gulf manager and employee. VD Gulf management and staff are very proud that the final product was accepted by all parties who monitored the maintenance work.

This specially painted and uniquely configured Air Atlanta 747-400 aircraft will be used for a grand world tour by Iron Maiden codenamed “Ed Force One”.

Sherin V., Managing Director Volga-Dnepr Gulf: “It was a great pleasure for us to be a part of this famous rock-band world tour program. The aircraft departed in excellent condition and in an impressive appearance. I’m sure that this unique experience will bring us more interesting projects in the future”.

Air Atlanta Icelandic is one of the largest ACMI services provider in the world and offer tailor-made solutions to other carriers, both in the passenger and cargo industry. VD Gulf provides Boeing 747 base and light maintenance services on all Air Atlanta 747 aircraft on regular basis.

Founded by bassist Steve Harris in the mid ‘70s, Iron Maiden is an established heavy metal’s rock band with over 90 million album sales, more than 2000 live performances in 59 countries, tens of millions of fans and 16 studio albums of unerring quality and power to their name, Iron Maiden have more than earned their proudly-held status as one of the most influential and revered bands of all time.

Volga-Dnepr Gulf is based in Sharjah, UAE and operates a maintenance organization since 1996. From 2013 the Company built an advanced hangar facility of approximately 22 000 square meter area, designed to facilitate airplane maintenance and repair services. The hangar is capable of accommodating six narrow body (737/A320 size) and two wide body aircraft (747 or AN-124-100 size) simultaneously. The hangar is complemented with all required tools/ equipment for quality maintenance of various types of aircraft, and is fully air-conditioned with high quality fire protection systems. Volga-Dnepr Gulf is a holder of EASA Part 145 approval certificate along with many other regulatory authority approval certificates. Currently Volga-Dnepr Gulf is qualified to provide maintenance services on Boeing 747/ 757/737CL/737NG and Airbus A320 family aircraft. This list is expanding every moth and additional aircraft models will be added soon. In addition VD Gulf is approved to support Russian aircraft models including IL-76, AN-24, AN-26, AN-32, AN-74 and AN-124. In Fujairah city there is an operational line maintenance station which provides maintenance services on AN-124-100, AN-74 and IL-76TD airplanes operated worldwide.