The two Mi-8 helicopters, weighing more than 20 tons, were delivered together with spare parts, instruments, and accessories by one of Volga-Dnepr’s IL-76TD-90VDs. To optimize the choice of aircraft which Volga-Dnepr Airlines provides to its customers, the helicopters were disassembled to meet loading requirements.

Through 30 years of operating fleets, including AN-124-100s, Il-76TD-90VDs, B747-400F/-8Fs, and B737-400SFs/800BCFs, Volga-Dnepr has been operating multiple air charter transportations of helicopters. While there has been a gradual rise in requirements due to changing environmental demands, Volga-Dnepr also has expertise in delivering helicopters for humanitarian, rescue, and offshore purposes, averaging to now nearly 45 machines carried per year.

“The number of flights we perform on an annual basis for helicopter transportation demonstrates our recognized name in the industry. We work closely with customers and manufacturers to ensure a smooth and safe process for loadings which can be highly technical. From specialized load planning to designing essential loading equipment, to working with dedicated cargo attendants, we ensure there is expert handling from the pre-planning stages through to final delivery,” said Ekaterina Andreeva, Commercial Director for Volga-Dnepr Airlines.

Unique to helicopter transportation is the truly global demand where they are geographically needed. This requires even greater care by Volga-Dnepr in a Covid-19 world, when flying such essential cargo. All aircraft are sterilized, and crew is equipped with PPE to maintain safety for all both on board, and at origin and destination.