VDA's 7-hour air freight solution saves customer a 20-day sea journey
Volga-Dnepr Airlines (VDA), the leading carrier of oversize and super heavy shipments by air, and Kintetsu World Express France (KWE) have expertly orchestrated a charter flight from Paris-Vatry, France, to Damman, Saudi Arabia, transporting an 11,000 horsepower Alstom motorized pump.
The 40-ton pump, measuring 651x274x311cm, was transported aboard one of Volga-Dnepr’s An-124-100 ramp aircraft just seven days after the initial charter request was received from the customer. The motorized pump will be used as a spare part to replace an unserviceable unit.
Volga-Dnepr’s load planning team advised on the correct preparation of the shipment in advance of the flight date, a process which embraced not only removing sea freight packaging but also fitting shackles and eye bolts to secure the cargo during its flight. VDA used loading equipment – a rail system, extensions ramps and skate beams – as well as mobile cranes to guarantee a seamless and intact loading process at both the departure and arrival airports.
“This transportation showcases the benefits of airfreight solutions over other logistics modes, as we were able to deliver this essential spare part back to Saudi Arabia faster than other transport companies. The whole delivery took 6 hours and 45 minutes whereas with sea freight transportation the customer would have waited 20+ days. Our experience and efficiency in handling every charter request as well as the expertise of commercial team, gives Volga-Dnepr a unique advantage in the market,” said Ekaterina Andreeva, Deputy Commercial Director, Volga-Dnepr Airlines.
In 2018, Volga-Dnepr has met demand for its specialist services from a variety of different industries, including aerospace, energy and heavy machinery sector, and the oil and gas sector, providing highly qualified expertise in handling complicated oversize equipment using its more than 28 years’ experience. The highest growth this year-to-date has come from the oil and gas sector, with cargoes carried up by more than 40% compared to the same period of 2017.
