ABC is the scheduled cargo division of Russia’s Volga-Dnepr Group. Based in Moscow and with offices in China, Japan and Europe, it operates four Boeing 747 all-cargo aircraft on routes between Europe, Asia and Russia. A further four B747s – including two new 747-400ER Freighters – will join AirBridge Cargo’s fleet in 2007/8.

This latest development is in line with AirBridge Cargo’s strategy to work with other leading airlines around the world to achieve mutual opportunities for network expansion and revenue growth. It already has similar agreements with Air Canada, Continental Airlines in the United States and Nippon Cargo Airlines in Japan.

Stan Wraight, Vice President of Volga-Dnepr Group responsible for scheduled cargo services, said: “We are delighted to be working with Qantas Freight, a professional and entrepreneurial airline that shares our own commitment to high quality customer service. We will be interlining with Qantas in China and Hong Kong to open up strong two-way trade lanes between Australia and the rapidly expanding Russian marketplace. We will be looking to expand on this agreement by developing opportunities with Qantas Freight in other areas.”

Stephen Cleary, General Manager of Qantas Group, added: “Qantas Freight will market and sell both AirBridge Cargo’s scheduled and charter services. This agreement represents a good business fit and will enable us to maximise the synergies between our two organisations in terms of seeking opportunities in new and emerging markets.”

The GSA agreement, effective from June 1, 2006, is initially for a period of two years.