Russian all-cargo airline Sky Gates Cargo Airlines will take delivery of its second Boeing 747-400 freighter in June 2017.

According to the company, the aircraft is an ex-Cathay Pacific 747-400F and is currently being operated by Silk Way West Airlines, a partner airline of Sky Gates.

“As a startup carrier we are happy to pursue our strategy in increasing our fleet step-by-step,” said Nidjat Babayev, senior vice president of Sky Gates. “After having received the second aircraft, the planning of a third -400F will start. We are motivated by the support of our customers and we are convinced of the huge potential the Russian air cargo market will offer to Sky Gates. Not only do we see high numbers of flown hours on our first aircraft, we already do have commitments on the second aircraft.”

Sky Gates launched operations at the end of 2016 and uses Maastricht as its European hub, serving Moscow and Novosibirsk en route to and from the Far East.

“We can expect further exiting news on our development as we do plan an integrated approach towards the Russian air cargo market in the future,” said Babayev.