President of Volga-Dnepr Group Alexey Isaikin (on the photo) adds two two innovative Il-96-400T freight aircraft to the fleet of the company.
Photo: Sergey Mikheev
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Volga-Dnepr Puts on Weight
President of Volga-Dnepr Group Alexey Isaikin and Alexander Rubtsov, general director at Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC) sealed in Paris Le Bourget on June 15 a financial lease agreement for two innovative Il-96-400T freight aircraft. The planes will cost nearly $120 million to the airline less lease payments. As the first client, Volga-Dnepr might have got sizable discount, while the IFC needs the lease to boost serial production of the plane.
Il-96-400T is a freight version of the far-distance Il-96-300 designed at Ilyushin bureau and produced by Voronezh Aircraft Association. The plane that needs certification will carry up to 92 tons of cargo and be equipped with PS-90A1 engines made at Perm Motor Works.
The yesterday’s agreement stipulates 15-year financing lease for two planes, which delivery is slated for 2006-2007. Although financial terms have not been disclosed, each plane is said to cost nearly $60 million.
In IFC, they have great expectations for Il-96-400, including future export to China. The company thinks the plane to be able to compete with freight carries of Boeing 777 class, which have not appeared on the market yet. “With Volga-Dnepr able to make it running, it would mean dozens of orders,” Rubtsov said.
Atlant-Soyuz is tipped as the next client for Il-96-400T.
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