A big freighter deal between Boeing and Russian cargo specialists Volga-Dnepr Group and CargoLogicHolding was signed at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow on the intention to buy 29 Boeing 777 Freighters and confirmed an order for five Boeing 747-8 Freighters along with an agreement to work together on future freighter projects.
"This is a very significant day in our company's history. With this package of agreements, we will grow our business with the unique and unmatched 747-8 Freighter and open new market opportunities with the 777 Freighter, the world's longest-range twin-engine cargo jet," said Alexey Isaykin, President of Volga-Dnepr Group and Chairman of CargoLogicHolding. "And we will work with Boeing to develop new freighter solutions that will help us continue to serve the unique and fast-changing requirements of our global customers."
The Russian Volga-Dnepr Group is among the world's largest Boeing 747 Freighter operators. The Group, and its subsidiaries and strategic partners have leveraged the jet's unique cargo-loading and cargo-carrying capabilities to build an unmatched global network for transporting unique, oversize and heavy cargo. Volga-Dnepr said it wanted to add more 747-8 Freighters to its fleet and affirmed a commitment to purchasing five more of the jets valued at $2 billion at current list prices.
"We are true believers in the 747-8 Freighter, it is a very special airplane. We fly it every day and we understand why operators around the world want more of them," said Isaykin.
While the Group and its partners have largely built its business on very large four-engine freighters, it now plans to expand its future fleet options with a commitment for the twin-engine 777 Freighter.
CargoLogicHolding intends to order 29 Boeing 777 Freighters, valued at $9.8 billion according to list prices. The airplane's unmatched range and significant cargo capacity promises to open up significant network and growth opportunities.
"CargoLogicAir, part of CargoLogicHolding, started its business by flying 747 scheduled and charter flights to and from the UK. We are excited to extend the network using a range of Boeing family aircraft including Boeing 747-8F, 777F, 767F and 737-800BCF," added Mr Isaykin.
The package of agreements also includes a commitment for both companies to explore other freighter solutions, such as new production 767 Freighters or converted cargo jets such as the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter.
