Thomas L. Gallagher | Mar 04, 2010 3:35PM EST
Volga-Dnepr Group launched a logistics business, Engineering & Logistics Center, to offer value added services for complex global logistics challenges.
The group, whose principal business has been providing Antonov AN-124-100 Ruslan aircraft services, has generally left the logistics up to charter companies and specialized forwarders. The move suggests they are going to solicit shippers more actively and go beyond the basics of flying.
ILC will specialize in two major logistics areas that combine the primary and secondary products of the Group. ‘Charter +’ offers loading and unloading services for large, heavy pieces of cargo. The second area will be a wide range of door-to-door delivery services.
The first area will include providing such services as autocranes at airports, pick-up from warehouses or manufacturer locations and transport to the airport. Charter + will also arrange and supervise the design and production of special mechanical tooling necessary for specific cargo loading and transportation projects. ILC's additional services will include advice on various modes of transport, including expert evaluation of cargo packaging for air carriage.
Door-to-door services include integrated air charter transportation for outsize and project cargo using the group’s own fleet of AN-124 and IL-76TD-90CD freight aircraft and, where necessary, airplanes of third party operators, such as smaller AN-26. AirBridgeCargo and partner airlines will operate 747 freighters for scheduled and charter cargo services. ILC will deal with arranging multi-modal logistics packages, including land and sea transport, as well as providing assistance with customs clearance and insurance.
According to the project coordinator, Konstantin Vekchine, implementation of this business initiative will enable Volga-Dnepr to essentially expand its niche in the transport and logistic market. He said:
“These services will involve the use of all-inclusive logistics and engineering approaches, including our unique in-house developments to meet the full requirements of our customers. The solution becomes a possibility owing to a range of the Group’s advantages: Volga-Dnepr operates a fleet of outstanding and mutually complementary aircraft, its own fleet of trucks, has a captive insurance company, unique technical expertise, bonded carrier status and a team of professionals,” said project coordinator Konstantin Vekchine.
ILC will be based at the Volga-Dnepr UK headquarters at London Stansted.
Contact Thomas L. Gallagher at tgallagher@joc.com.