MOSCOW, July 16 (RIA Novosti) - The Volga-Dnepr Group, Russia's largest heavy air freight carrier, is planning to take part in the transit of U.S. military supplies to Afghanistan, the company said on Thursday.
Russia and the United States signed during U.S. President Barack Obama's first visit to Russia on July 6-9 an agreement on U.S. military transit, both overland and by air, via Russian territory to Afghanistan.
"Several carriers have already lined up for the transit of U.S. cargoes to Afghanistan, and we are the first in this line," said Valery Gabriel, the company's executive director.
The official said Washington had been advised to choose a Russian cargo carrier through a tender.
"We are optimistic about this project because we have been involved in air cargo transit via Russian territory before, including heavy-lift transport missions carried out by An-124-100 planes," Gabriel said.
"We believe that our participation in the [U.S. military] transit is absolutely necessary," he added.
Established in 1990, the Volga-Dnepr Group provides its customers with high-quality oversized and heavy air cargo services on a charter and scheduled basis.
The company's cargo fleet includes 10 An-124-100 and 13 Il-76 transport aircraft.
