Polet Airlines have launched a range of commercial flights with their new IL-96-400T aircraft. On September 27, 2009 the aircraft took off from Domodevo airport to Yakutsk for payload and continued on route to Shanghai via Novosibirsk and onto Munich.
Project IL-96-400T started in February 2009, receiving the first aircraft in the middle of March. By September 2009, Polet Airlines received their second aircraft, while the third IL-96-400T is expected to arrive in a few weeks. The aircraft was included in Operator’s Certificate of Polet Airlines a few weeks ago.
The professional crew were hired and technical engineers received the necessary training for the new type of aircraft. As it was required, Polet developed a new technical base for servicing IL, which was established at Ulyanovsk airport. “Ongoing market research, company development and confirmed strategic plans are currently placed in action as we speak.” Milenko Strika – Marketing Director of Polet Airlines said.
The most challenging routes for regular cargo flights during the first stage are: China to Europe, Europe to Russia, Russia to Europe and Turkey. The second stage is to organise regular cargo flights from India to Russia, Europe and return. Further down the road there are planned flights between Russia and South and North America.
The IL-96-400T facilities meet all the requirements of modern aircraft and can perform cargo flights on the South-East Asia-Europe route. The construction of the aircraft consists of large size freight doors as well as the option to keep the temperature at a -20C level in the freight compartment.
The expectations for the project are high. Polet Airlines took a risk on purchasing new aircraft made in Russia (Voronezh factory) after a long break for the Russian air industry, especially for cargo aircraft. IL-96-400T is the plane Russia has been waiting for and hopefully it will find the right market segment in today’s competitive industry.
“Polet Airlines is known as one of the most professional and successful cargo air freighters. For more than 20 years we have gained a high level of professionalism and experience in the air cargo industry and we are ready to enter a different market,” commented Konstantin Karpov – Deputy General Manager. Setting up the goals for 2009-2010 Polet Airlines announced regular cargo flights with its new aircraft and meeting the new market requirements.
Project IL-96-400T will ensure the North and Far East of Russia have access to everyday consumer products. It is important to consider the fact that the main connection between Central Russia and the Far East is performed only by air. This kind of route is highly needed to transfer medical and food supplies.
Since the beginning of operation IL-96-400T, the Russian government has started the project of renascence for domestic aircraft production. The airports have been modified in order to accept the new type of aircraft so they can compete with their leading competitors. The whole project has also created a significant amount of employment at the airports. Polet Airlines are now in a position to enter the market with lower prices, which is a crucial element in the still ongoing global economic crisis.