Moscow, Such prestigious recognition by the Russian aviation industry reflects the performance levels of the two airlines, which form the cornerstone businesses of Volga-Dnepr Group, and their consistent implementation of the Groups growth strategy for scheduled and charter cargo services.

AirBridgeCargos strong performance in terms of its growth in capacity and revenue is particularly significant because it has been achieved in market downturn conditions, supported by new business opportunities developed as a result of our Cargo Supermarket strategy, noted Alexei Isaikin, President of Volga-Dnepr Group.

In 2009, ABC expanded its route network, added a seventh B747 freighter to its fleet and proceeded with hub development at Moscows Sheremetyevo Airport. These steps, along with other measures, enabled the company to increase its cargo traffic by over 20% and post a positive year-end financial result.

The award was accepted by ABCs Executive President, Tatyana Arslanova. She thanked aviation authorities and business partners for their continued assistance and productive co-operation throughout the year, expressed appreciation to the Public Aviation Industry Council and organizers of the ceremony for their recognition of the carriers performance, and extended her gratitude to colleagues within Volga-Dnepr Group.

Volga-Dnepr Airlines, another winner of the Wings of Russia award, also reported a successful year in the outsize and heavy cargo charter market. In 2009, the demand for AN-124 services remained steady at the pre-crisis level, while operations using the airlines new IL-76TD-90VD aircraft grew by 12%. The Groups Commercial Director, Dennis Gliznoutsa, noted during the award ceremony that Volga-Dneprs success in the outsize and heavy cargo segment promotes Russias leading position in the global market for specialist airfreight and logistics services.

About Volga-Dnepr Group

Volga-Dnepr Group is the global leader in the outsize and heavy cargo market and Russias largest all-cargo operator. The Groups core businesses charter services using AN-124 and IL-76 ramp freighters (Volga-Dnepr Airlines) and Boeing 747F scheduled services (AirBridgeCargo Airlines). The Groups fleet comprises 10 AN-124-100, three IL-76 (including two noise-compliant and modernized IL-76TD-90VDs) and eight Boeing 747 freighters (including five new B747-400Fs). The Group employs over 3,000 people.

Notes to Editor

Air Cargo Carriers offering air freight forwarding services on routes between Europe and Asia, all via Russia. We provide international air freight shipping, global cargo logistics, scheduled transportation services and other air cargo solutions