Air Bridge leases 747

Air Bridge leases 747

   Air Bridge Cargo, the air cargo subsidiary launched by Russian heavyweight carrier Volga-Dnepr last year to provide scheduled service between Asia and Europe, said it will acquire a third Boeing 747 by October to provide extra capacity during peak season.

      Air Bridge acquired the converted 747-300 plane from a joint venture controlled by Chicago-based leasing company GATX.

   The new plane will be used on the airline’s main route via Russia. Air Bridge said the plane will enable the company to take advantage of new air traffic rights to China. Air Bridge said it plans to increase frequencies to Shanghai and Beijing and open service to Guangzhou and Nanjing.

   Air Bridge said it is negotiating to add a fourth aircraft to its fleet by January.

   Charter airline Volga-Dnepr primarily relies on the Russian-built AN-124 to provide oversize airlift.