CIS seeks to preserve freighter

The European Union is being asked to reconsider its ban on Russian-built IL-76 freighters, which is due to take effect next year, reports Schednet.com

The CIS Chapter of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) believes the role the aircraft plays, the lack of a viable alternative and the economic benefit it produces to the CIS and European economies should win the aircraft extra shelf life.

Without new engines, or refitting with expensive hush kits, the 45-tonne capacity aircraft will fail to meet Stage 3 noise regulations and be withdrawn from service next year.

“Only co-ordinated action by aviation authorities and international trade organisations involved in discussions over this issue will help lead to a positive outcome,” said Larry Coyne, president of TIACA.

A recent TIACA conference agreed to establish a special commission to present the case for the IL-76 to the European Union and CIS regulatory bodies. It will be headed by Genrich Novozhilov, designer general of Illyushin Design Bureau, and Alexey Isaikin, president of TIACA’s Russian/CIS Chapter and director general of Volga-Dnepr Airlines.

Delegates at the conference also called for the CIS governments to make best use of their potential in order to maintain and develop cargo aviation. Aircraft designers and manufacturers were reminded of the need to speed up the process of upgrading the aircraft fleets currently in operation and the development of new aircraft types.

Other issues debated by the 140 industry delegates included the future development of cargo airlines and aircraft leasing.