The aircraft will be powered by General Electric CF6-80C2B5F engines and will be operated by AirBridge on cross-polar routes.

“Our partnership with Boeing and the performance of the 747-400ER Freighter are fundamental to achieving our growth plans. The addition of these advanced aircraft to our cargo fleet will allow AirBridge Cargo to take another step towards the realisation of our ambitious project to develop scheduled cargo flights between Asia and North America via Russia,” said Stan Wraight, Vice-President of Volga-Dnepr Group. “I am sure the development of our intercontinental network with Boeing 747 freighters will assure us a leading position in the global air cargo market.”

Marlin Dailey, Vice President of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia – Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: "We are thrilled that Volga-Dnepr is moving up to the 747-400ER Freighter. The 747 freighter family has revolutionised the air cargo industry and it will remain the industry standard for many years into the future.”

The 747-400ER Freighter has a maximum takeoff weight of 910,000 pounds (412,775 kg), a maximum payload of 248,600 pounds (112,760 kg) and a maximum range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km). The aircraft’s distinctive nose door allows increased revenue by accommodating high-value outsize shipments and, complemented by the side cargo door, provides superior efficiency and flexibility in ground operations.

The 747 freighter family is a major factor in the profitability of the world’s top cargo carriers. Nearly 300 Boeing 747 freighters provide more than half of the world’s freighter capacity. The 747 family was designed and optimised with cargo as a primary consideration and the single main deck provides for the best operational efficiency.

Boeing freighters of all models comprise more than 90 per cent of the total worldwide freighter lift. Boeing forecasts that large widebody freighters (65 metric tons and above in capacity) will comprise 34 per cent of the market by 2024.