The airline could win the prestigious competition thanks to a balanced development strategy applied throughout Volga-Dnepr Group, which is based on efficient combined use of both charter and scheduled operations. In 2008 AirBridgeCargo Airlines achieved substantial growth in its core operations performance: sales grew by 49% and amounted to 452 million US dollars; freight turnover reached 1,1 billion FTK's. Major factors of AirBridgeCargo's growth in 2008 were rearranged sales system, to considerably enhance its efficiency, and expanded routing network.
“The key to success for young airline AirBridgeCargo was overall success shown by the whole Volga-Dnepr Group, which is secured through combination of charter and scheduled operations within single business structure,” noted Executive President of AirBridgeCargo Airlines Alexey Isaikin.
Awarding ceremony was held in Moscow Renaissance Hotel. Traditionally, winners were determined by way of secret voting by members of Public Award Board, which comprises more than 120 civil aviation experts, officials of aviation authorities, representatives of state-owned and private companies and mass media agencies.
About Wings of Russia Award
Wings of Russia is the national airline award established and organized by Air Transport Observer magazine, the Russian Air Transport Operators Association. Launched in 1997, the Wings of Russia Award is now accepted as Russia's only program recognizing excellence in commercial air transport. Over 50 Russian carriers compete annually in 10 categories including domestic and international passenger transport, air cargo, business aviation and carriers serving industries of the Russian economy. This year some important innovations have taken place - the Public Council can now bring forward airline companies in different nominations whereas in previous years this was the privilege of airlines alone. Companies are invited to draw up their own entries explaining the merits of their achievements and then to submit them to an independent Public Council. The Wings of Russia Public Council numbers over 126 industry experts, representatives of governmental agencies, related business and financial circles, mass media. The intense competition results in a great nationwide prestige for the winners. The program ensures that the winners secure recognition of their achievements.
