Polet Airlines has seen constant growth in the air transportation market and as such has seen increased demand for the capabilities of their Antonov 124 aircraft – one of the largest cargo aircrafts in the world today. With the launch of their new aircraft, the IL-96-400T, Polet Airlines has successfully entered the general cargo market, offering all-around cargo transportation services and effectively covering all international markets.
It may not be the catchiest of names, but the IL-96-400T has allowed Polet Airlines to introduce cargo services between some of the most logisti-cally difficult countries in the world, including a route between China, Russia and Germany, which currently operates on twice weekly schedules.
The IL-96-400T is the first ever two-decked Russian built ìwide-bodyî freighter specifically designed for general cargo transportation. It boasts a huge cargo door on the main deck (4,85m wide) taking oversized volumetric cargo (subject to weight restrictions) and has cheaper maintenance, operational costs and fuel consumption compared to its competitors, such as the MD-11/B747.
The debut flight from Moscow to Munich via Shanghai was an eagerly awaited event for Poletís hard-working team of engineers, forwarders, agents and media representatives, not to mention the Munich Airport team. With the new cargo aircraft, Polet can bring regular flights carrying cargo of up to 530 cubic meters and 90 tonnes in volume.
When the flight grounded between the two terminals at the front of the Polet Airlines office, all its passengers were welcomed personally by Mr Markus Heinelt – Director of Traffic Development Cargo at the Munich airport and were taken on a tour of its facilities. Due to the reliability and efficiency of the airport services, everyone understood why Polet choose Munich Airport as the main European hub for its general cargo transportation.
The flight landed safely on time and the ground-staff were able to carry out the traditional water baptism of the aircraft when it approached the apron. The visitors met the Polet crew, examined the aircraft and took pictures, while staff were able to unload the cargo. After 45 minutes, the aircraft was getting ready to load new parcels; this time to China.
Mr Karpov of Polet Airlines and Dr Kerkloh of Munich Airport officially thanked everyone for giving their support to the new launch; welcoming future cooperation between the two organisations. ìIt is a new page in our transportation services and we hope our success will continue in the years to comeî, said Mr Karpov.
“Polet Airlines carried mostly general cargo in the IL-96-400T including hi-tech: electronics, PCs, laptops, but also pipes and cars”, Milenko Strika – Marketing Director commented. “There was also cargo transportation to Australia with big pallets that would not have been possible with a Boeing 747 while the price with an AN124-100 would be very high”, he added.
The goal for the airline now is to introduce additional routes from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Munich Airport to Liege Airport in Brussels to continue to the end of the year. Already in operation are several regular charter programs running on a long-term basis, such as weekly flights from Hong Kong International Airport to Vienna International Airport, Incheon International Airport in South Korea to Milan Rastislav ätef•nik Airport in Slovakia and Shanghai to Kaunas International Airpor in Lithuania.
Polet Airlines currently has three aircraft with the fourth expected in spring 2011. The target is to have six aircrafts by 2013.