FAQ

1. How can we organize transportation of outsized and super heavy cargo aboard An-124 and Il-76 with Volga-Dnepr Airlines?

If you wish to transport outsized or super heavy cargo aboard An-124 or Il-76, please forward the following information to our sales specialists:

• cargo dimensions: length, width, height of the cargo, as well as the container/box that can be used for its transportation (if available);
• weight of cargo and related equipment;
• the nature of the cargo — the most complete description of the parameters and characteristics of the cargo, as well as the industry in which it is used;
• cargo type: according to the IATA (International Air Transport Association) specification, the following types of cargo are distinguished: temperature-sensitive, dangerous, live animals, general, valuable, and others;
• product category;
• cargo photos;
• points of origin and destination;
• transportation timeframe;
• additional logistics services that may be needed apart from air freight — first/last mile, customs clearance, design and manufacture of a transportation frame, cargo support, additional loading equipment, etc.

After receiving the initial information, specialists of Volga-Dnepr Airlines will provide a logistics solution based on technical analysis of cargo, 3D modeling of loading/unloading, and considering all related costs.

2. Why is it better to contact the carrier directly to book a charter flight?

Volga-Dnepr Airlines has been specializing in the transportation of outsized and super heavy cargo for more than 35 years. Direct communications simplify all the procedures and speed up the process of air cargo transportation. We offer:

• Professional consultations;
• Technical inspection of cargo and preparation for transportation, on-site visits (factory, factory);
• 3D modeling of loading/offloading for cargo safety;
• Design and manufacturing of special loading equipment for safe loading/offloading and transportation of cargo;
• Consultations regarding cargo packaging;
• Assistance in obtaining necessary permits;
• Unique logistics solutions;
• Special loading equipment;
• Assistance in customs clearance and cargo insurance;
• Ground handling equipment rental at airports;
• Organization, interaction with aviation and airport authorities, obtaining necessary permits.

3. Why An-124 and Il-76 are mostly used for transportation of outsized and superheavy cargo?

The An-124 and Il-76 are heavy transport aircraft equipped with a ramp, a special descending mechanized ramp in the aft and nose of the fuselage. This system is particularly suitable for the safe and efficient loading/offloading of non-standard cargoes (e.g. gas turbines, satellites, oil and gas equipment). In addition, both aircraft provide the possibility of autonomous loading without the use of airport equipment, as they are equipped with internal built-in electric hoists and electric winches. The crew of the An-124 and Il-76 consists of flight and engineering specialists, thus, loading/offloading at the airports of origin and destination takes place under the control of the technical crew.

The technical characteristics of the Il-76 allow for safe and quick transportation of various types of cargo to prepared runways, as well as to snow and ice runways/sites. With a special permit, Volga-Dnepr can organize delivery to airports/sites with unsurfaced runways.

4. What are dimensions of the An-124 cargo cabin?

The maximum dimensions of the cargo cabin are 6.4×4.4×36.5 m.

Cargo cabin volume up to 630 m³.

The maximum weight of cargo together with the equipment is 120/150 tons (excluding restrictions in airports and along the route).

5. What are dimensions of the Il-76 cargo cabin?

The maximum dimensions of the cargo cabin are 3.4×3.45×20 m.

Cargo cabin volume up to 150 m³.

The maximum weight of cargo together with the equipment is 50 tons (excluding restrictions in airports and along the route).

6. What cargo loading methods are available for An-124?

The following methods of cargo loading are used for An-124-100/150:

• Crates, pallets and bulk cargo can be loaded through the nose cargo door by means of the forklift. Up to 4 forklifts can be used during loading/offloading in order to minimize aircraft ground time at the airport.
• Vehicles or wheelbase cargo can be driven or winched in cargo cabin of An-124-100/150 through the nose cargo door. For outsized cargo with a wheelbase, an extended ramp (outbound dock that is an extension of the floor inside the cargo cabin can be used.
• Other outsized cargoes are loaded through the rear cargo door using built-in loading equipment: two electric winches of 3 tons traction each and 4 electric hoists of common carrying capacity up to 20 tons.
• Volga-Dnepr Airlines also uses a rail system, which consists of an extension ramp, skate beams, rails, and related ramp supports and accessory parts.
• Over the 35-year history of successful transportation of outsized cargo, Volga-Dnepr Airlines has developed and purchased up to 300 tons of special loading equipment, which is used for efficient loading/offloading of unique cargoes.

7. What cargo loading methods are available for Il-76?

• For heavy and outsized loads, a rail system is used, which consists of an extension ramp, skate beams, rails, and related ramp supports and accessory parts.
• Using a 20-foot highloader (standard loading equipment) for loading/offloading of PMC pallets. The Il-76TD-90VD of Volga-Dnepr Airlines is capable of accommodating up to 8 PMCs on a single flight.
• Loading using a forklift and manpower for cargo on euro pallets and bulk cargo.
• For loading of non-standard cargo, the cabin is equipped with two electric winches of 3 tons traction each and 4 electric hoists with a pulling capacity up to 12 tons.
• Vehicles or wheelbase cargo can be driven or winched aboard the aircraft. The extended ramp can be used for loading long and tall vehicles.

8. Is it possible to transport standard PMC pallets aboard Il-76?

Yes, specialists from the Volga-Dnepr Airlines cargo planning center have successfully adapted the Il-76 ramp aircraft for the delivery of palletized cargo. Now we can carry 8 PMC pallets on each flight.

Main dimensions of the PMC pallet:

Special contour PMC/Il-76 for positions No. 1-7

• maximum gross weight is 6,800 kg;
• maximum overall dimensions of one cargo position (L)302 x (W)228 x (H)260 cm up to 5,000 kg;
• cargo above the specified parameters requires an individual solution.

Contour PMC/Q6 for position No. 8

• maximum gross weight — 4,350 kg.

9. What are maximum dimensions for cargo piece?

Maximum weight/dimensions of a single cargo piece: 70 kg, 120*80*80 cm.

10. Is it possible to charter several flights?

Yes, it is possible. Please forward all the info specified in the section ‘How can we organize transportation of outsized and super heavy cargo aboard An-124 and Il-76 with Volga-Dnepr Airlines?’, as well as the transportation timeframe.

11. Is it possible to charter an urgent or time-critical flight?

Yes, it is possible. Please forward all the information as soon as possible to get a quote. Throughout its 35 years of history, Volga-Dnepr Airlines has operated numerous urgent charter flights. For example, as part of humanitarian missions with special first-aid supplies aboard, usually being one of the first carriers to land in a disaster-affected region or city.

12. How can we transport our cargo on scheduled flights of Volga-Dnepr Airlines?

Volga-Dnepr Airlines operates scheduled flights aboard Il-76TD-90VD to/from China and India. If you are willing to transport your cargo with us, please forward the following information to our commercial team:

• cargo dimensions: length, width, height of cargo;
• cargo weight;
• the nature of the cargo — the most complete description of the parameters and characteristics of the cargo, as well as the industry in which it is used;
• cargo type: according to the IATA (International Air Transport Association) specification, the following types of cargo are distinguished: temperature-sensitive, dangerous, live animals, general, valuable and others;
• product category;
• points of origin and destination;
• transportation timeframe;
• additional logistics services that may be needed apart from air freight — first/last mile, customs clearance, design and manufacture of a transportation frame, cargo support, additional loading equipment, etc.

Once the initial information is received, Volga-Dnepr’s specialists will check the availability of capacity on a scheduled flight and return to you with a quote, as well as information on further steps for cargo booking.

13. Is it possible to ship cargo less than 5 kg?

Yes, it is possible. The minimum cargo weight is 0.5 kg which is quoted accordingly.

14. How can I get information about cargo status?

You may contact our Customer service via the most preferable way:

• E-mail — sales@volga-dnepr.com, mt.sales@vd.express
• Telephone: +7 495 755 6850 / +7 495 755 7836 / +7 8422 590059

15. How can I get a quote for cargo?

Please send us your request via e-mail at sales@volga-dnepr.com or mt.sales@vd.express or fill in the information online — https://www.volga-dnepr.com/services/get-estimate/.