Volga-Dnepr and Polet have each ordered five An-124-100M-150 Ruslans from Aviastar, which is relaunching production of the outsize freighter. Deliveries should start in 2008. Volga-Dnepr president Aleksei Isaikin says $400 million is needed for the first phase of the project, for the upgrade of production facilities at Aviastar and KiGAZ Aviant, and purchase of components and materials for the first 10 aircraft. Russia and Ukraine will provide roughly $200 million in direct funding and refundable loans.
Source: Flight International
