MOSCOW's Red Wings Airlines, based in Russia, has introduced cargo services following its acquisition of Sky Gates Airlines in August, reports London's Air Cargo News.
The inaugural commercial freighter flight occurred this month utilising Sky Gates' upgraded Il-96-400T.
The flight, focused on transporting consumer goods, connecting Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan and Zhukovskiy International Airport, located southeast of Moscow.
In addition to the Il-96-400T, the Sky Gates fleet boasts an Il-76TD.
Future expansion plans involve incorporating domestically manufactured cargo aircraft into the fleet.
Currently, a programme led by the lessor Ilyushin Finance Company (IFC), a United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) subsidiary, is underway to restore the airworthiness of Russian-made cargo and passenger aircraft.
The UAC's aircraft factories are actively engaged in maintenance efforts.
IFC general director Mikhail Podkhvatlin noted that significant works were carried out to ensure the airworthiness of the Il-96-400T.
"One of the flagships of Russian transport aviation, the Il-96-400T, has been returned to service; it arrived at our colleagues at Sky Gates just in time, since air cargo transportation services are now in great demand," said Mr Podkhvatlin.
Source: shippingazette