Ruslan International, the freighter joint venture created by Volga-Dnepr Airlines and Antonov Airlines, will be terminated by the two partners on December 31, 2016.

Volga-Dnepr and Antonov set up the joint venture in 2006 to jointly market their combined fleet of An-124-100s.

“Our joint venture with Antonov Airlines has enjoyed 10 fruitful years and during this time we have been able to ensure our global customers have benefited from the unique operating capabilities of the An-124 whenever and wherever they have needed them,” said Tatyana Arslanova, vice president of strategic management and charter cargo operations at Volga-Dnepr Group. “With the world’s largest fleet of An-124 freighters, Volga-Dnepr is committed to maintaining this capability for our customers with our own services, supported by our worldwide offices.”

Volga-Dnepr Group, which operates 12 An-124-100s, will continue to work with Antonov on the technical aspects of airworthiness and flight safety support, according to Dennis Gliznoutsa, vice president of development and special projects at Volga-Dnepr.

Meanwhile, a new in the UK will oversee the global sales and operations of Antonov Airlines, which operates seven An-124s, including the An-124-100M-150 which is capable of carrying up to 150 tonnes.

“Antonov Airlines’ activities are supported by Antonov Company’s in-house design and development capabilities providing unrivalled expertise for the most challenging logistic projects,” said Oleksandr Kotsiuba, president of Antonov Company. “As the maintenance authority and life extension authority, we will continue to offer these proven and reliable airframes to the market for many years to come. We look forward to working with the experienced and exciting team in the UK, and can see a bright future going forward with our customers.”