Russia-based airfreight service provider Volga-Dnepr Group has finalised a deal with Boeing for 20 747-8 freighters, including four aircraft that have already been delivered.

Boeing has also entered into a contract with Volga-Dnepr Group’s subsidiaries AirBridgeCargo Airlines and Volga-Dnepr Airlines to provide long-term logistics support for Boeing Commercial Airplanes and its partners using Boeing 747-8 and Antonov 124-100 freighters.

With the new deal, Volga-Dnepr Group aims to upgrade AirBridgeCargo's fleet and replace its existing 747-400 aircraft.

The new aircraft will be bought through a combination of direct purchases and leasing over the next six years.

Volga-Dnepr Group president Alexey Isaykin said: "Volga-Dnepr intends to provide strong evidence to the market that the unique An-124 and Boeing 747-8 four-engine freighters are still essential to serve the fast-changing requirements of our customers worldwide.

"The most obvious proof of this is the high demand for Boeing 747-8 and ?n-124 freighters from customers in the aerospace industry, which today represents 30% of our overall operations.

“Volga-Dnepr intends to provide strong evidence to the market that the unique An-124 and Boeing 747-8 four-engine freighters are still essential."

“This is the reason we continue to be so committed to the future of these glorious aircraft and why we are signing long-term agreements with Boeing and General Electric in the Cargo Village at Farnborough."

Volga-Dnepr Group’s partner and new UK cargo airline CargoLogicAir will operate the newly delivered 747-8 Freighter.

In 2012, Volga-Dnepr Group took delivery of its first Boeing 747-8 Freighter.

Both Boeing and Volga-Dnepr Group will also sign an agreement related to future services opportunities.

Meanwhile, Germany-based tourism service provider TUI Group has finalised a deal to buy ten 737 MAX 8s and one 787-9 Dreamliner from Boeing for $1.4bn at current list prices.

Boeing has also secured a commitment for 30 737 jets from an unidentified Chinese customer.

Image: Volga-Dnepr Group and Boeing finalise deal for 20 747-8 Freighters. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.