Alexander Velovich/MOSCOW
East Line is to be launch customer for the Ilyushin Il-76TF freighter, the civil version of the stretched, Aviadvigatel PS-90A powered Il-76MF transport.
The Moscow Domodedovo Airport-based carrier is one of Russia's leading commercial cargo operators. It has signed a memorandum with Chkalov, the Tashkent-based TAPOiCh production plant, to take two newly built Ilyushin Il-76TFs in a complex financial leasing deal which will involve local flag carrier Uzbekistan Airways. A contract is due next month.
East Line's managing director Amiran Kurtanidze says introduction of the Il-76TF, which is fully compliant with the latest International Civil Aviation Organisation safety, emission and noise requirements, will enable the airline to operate to Western Europe and North America.
The prototype of the military Il-76MF version has been in flight test since 1995. Although the Russian air force has said it intends to procure the aircraft, Russia's Ministry of Defence has been unable to secure funding for an order. Four Il-76MF airframes have been completed in Tashkent, but they await the installation of PS-90A engines and certain systems components.
East Line has agreed with TAPOich to pay for the delivery of eight PS-90As, each costing $2.4 million, and an extra $8 million to cover the cost of systems and components from subcontractors to enable two Il-76TFs to be completed. The first Il-76TF will fly this year, with certification and delivery to East Line expected in the first half of 2001.
The civil version will be stripped of military equipment such as airdrop hardware. Once completed, the Il-76TFs will be delivered to state-owned Uzbekistan Airways on a long-term financial lease, which in turn will place the aircraft with East Line on operating lease. The two carriers recently concluded an agreement to form a strategic partnership. East Line's expenses on financing the engines and systems components will count towards the lease payments.
Source: Flight International