INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE
WEBSITEwww.volga-dnepr.comColon Miller
Global Director, Government, Humanitarian,
Peacekeeping & Defense, Volga-Dnepr Group
HOW DOES THE VOLGA-
DNEPR GROUP PARTICIPATE
IN MILITARY AND/OR
HUMANITARIAN RELIEF
OPERATIONS?
As Volga-Dnepr has been a CARB
(Commercial Aviation Review Board) and
DOD Certified Carrier since 2000 we are
able to support the airlift requirements
of US Military, NATO and NATO Partner
nations on a global scale. We also provide
services to the US Department of State to
complement its services supporting military
operations all over the world, and the airline
employs experts with both governmental
and military backgrounds to ensure we fully
understand what our customers need.
HOW IS THE VOLGA-DNEPR
GROUP DEVELOPING ITS
PARTNERSHIPS WITH ITS
CUSTOMERS?
The real key for us is to consistently engage
with our customers to gain the best
understanding of their logistical and
airlift requirements and challenges,
and to ensure they are aware of the full
range of cargo delivery solutions we
can offer. Working together as early as
possible in the planning process is also
very important for both parties because
it gives us more time to explore how we
can reduce costs for our customers using
our full fleet and service capabilities.
Most recently, we have established
operating bases around the world to improve
aircraft availability when a fast response is
required and to reduce aircraft repositioning
costs. This also increases the opportunities
for customers to come and see our aircraft
and learn more about their capabilities.
We also regularly consult with
customers in one-to-one meetings or
tailored conferences and workshops
to discuss and solve their supply chain
challenges, including the provision of
complete project management solutions.HOW DOES THIS HELP THE
VOLGA-DNEPR GROUP
DEVELOP ITS CARGO-
HANDLING ACTIVITIES?
By identifying the customer’s needs and
concerns we build solutions to address
them. We have numerous examples of
bespoke solutions that were created to
solve challenging issues in projects that
required out-of-the-box thinking and a
unique approach. Such solutions have
been subsequently re-applied for otherprojects. This can cover anything from
new methods of loading and offloading
to the creation of bespoke loading
equipment or using a combination of
charter and schedule operations to
deliver the most cost-efficient service.WHAT ARE THE KEY
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE VOLGA-
DNEPR GROUP FLEET?
We have a unique cargo fleet, including
the world’s biggest fleet of 12 An-124-
100 ramp-loading freighters. We also
have five modernised ramp-loading
IL-76TD-90VD freighters, which like the
An-124-100 have on-board cranes and
winches to facilitate cargo loading. This
makes the aircraft highly self-sufficient
on the ground as there is less need for
additional ground handling equipment.
Our total Group fleet also includes
17 Boeing 747 freighters – including 10
of the latest 747-8Fs – and three smaller
Boeing 737-400Fs. This gives us a payload
range of between 20 and 135 tonnes
and the ability to offer unique solutions
for the most complex, outsize and
heavyweight cargoes as well for general
cargo shipments that require scheduled
or charter services. Having such a diverse
aircraft fleet also enables us to mix
aircraft types for projects, which can be
highly cost-efficient for our customers.CONSISTENT ENGAGEMENT
WITH GLOBAL CUSTOMERS
A Volga-Dnepr Airlines An-124-100 rushes US firefighting helicopters to Chile