Helsinki for ABC
24 / 02 / 2015
AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) has added Helsinki, Finland, to its international network with a twice-weekly B747 freighter.
The flights, every Monday and Friday, will operate from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport to Helsinki, returning to Moscow via Frankfurt.
The Russian all-cargo carrier has also outlined its fleet upgrade plans.
Denis Ilin, executive president, told Air Cargo News: “We expect to commence operations with an additional B747-400ERF in February and with one more Boeing 737-400SF in the beginning of April.
“Beside these two aircraft, we would also like to take delivery of another Boeing 747-8F as early as September 2015, which is still to be confirmed.”
The B747-400ERF is on an operational lease from an Aircastle Co, while the B737-400SF was purchased by Volga Dnepr Group from the Aviation Capital Group and was formerly operated in Japan.
ABC livery has been already applied on the B747 after it completed a heavy check, and it is currently going through delivery process. The B737 is undergoing passenger-to-freighter conversion in Shanghai at Boeing-Shanghai facilities, as well as a C-check and full painting. These are additions to the ABC fleet and not replacements.
Explaining the reasons behind the fleet expansion, Ilin added: “This move has been done to secure our further expansion and development. This year we plan to increase our footprint in North America and to start a service to Los Angeles.”
Commenting on reports of a further two freighters in the pipeline, Ilin said: “We are considering the other two freighters but the decision will be made during the course of 2015. No further details at the moment, as it is currently still being negotiated.”
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