Freighter operator Atran Airlines has completed its first live animals transportation project in Europe.
The carrier recently transported 42,640 one-day-old chicks, weighing a total of more than 2.2 tonnes, from Spain to Russia on a Boeing 737-800BCF charter flight.
Atran Airlines and AirBridgeCargo Airlines — both Volga-Dnepr Group carriers — collaborated to carry out the project.
Vasiliy Zhukov, commercial director at Atran Airlines, commented: "After implementation of our internal road map which covered certification, personnel training, and expansion of the fleet, we are now ready to offer specialist live animals transportation services for our customers to and from Europe."
Steven Frederix, live animals transportation manager Europe at AirBridgeCargo Airlines, added: "Following Atran’s successful European AVI [live animals] certification earlier this year and receipt of a Type 2 Transport certificate — which allows the company to deliver live animals to, from and across Europe —the Atran team of logistics practitioners has organised a dedicated flight containing 42,640 one-day-old chicks.
"The delicate animals were handled and transported in accordance with IATA LAR (Live Animals Regulations) and European Council 01/2005 regulations maintaining a 24-26 C in-flight ambient environment at all times in order to ensure animals’ welfare."
Volga-Dnepr Group provides its customers with a 'supermarket' offering, comprising access to its full freighter fleet: An-124-100/150s, Il-97TD-90VDs, Boeing 747Fs and Boeing 777Fs.
