Volga-Dnepr Group and its strategic partner CargoLogicAir have signed a memorandum of understanding with Liege Airport to cooperate on strengthening their positions in the European market through the development of a regional hub and enhancement of freighter capacity.

According to Volga-Dnepr, the three parties will collaborate to establish a regional hub at Liege for the two carriers within the next three to five years. The airport will provide cargo handling for up to 30 freighter flights per week and as well as maintenance support.

“I wish to thank Liege Airport for their enthusiasm and teamwork,” said Alexey Isaykin [centre in photo], president of Volga-Dnepr Group. “This has helped us to reach this agreement so quickly, and will create new opportunities for our customers worldwide by guaranteeing more smooth, seamless and efficient delivery options.”

Liege Airport will support both companies in opening up new routes and establishing communication channels with government authorities for smooth operations with other airports in Europe and around the world. Additionally, Liege Airport will provide VDG and CLA with sufficient ground handling, warehousing and office areas for smooth coordination and operation of freighter flights.

“The development of a European hub in Liege will support our existing network and boost our cargo services, covering major catchment areas of Europe for the convenience of our customers,” said David Kerr [right in photo], chief executive officer of CargoLogicAir. “We will be able to guarantee high-end services based on reliable partnership with Liege Airport, which is not only one of the most cargo-friendly airports, but also shows significant steps of development in air cargo handling – the area of paramount importance for carriers which aim for quality, speed and safety.”

Luc Partoune [left in photo], chief executive officer of Liege Airport, said that he was looking forward to growing the airport’s cooperation with all members of the Volga-Dnepr Group as both parties are investing in and fully focused on cargo and logistics.

“From LGG’s point of view, the AirBridgeCargo hub adds a 23,000-square-metre first-line warehouse, 4,000 square metres of offices and an additional capacity of approximately 300,000 tonnes,” he said. “The development of the airport outpaces the actual investments plan. Being the Flexport, and with investments fully focused on additional cargo capacity, we are happy to adapt to the demands. The #freightersfirst policy of Liege Airport and the already impressive operation, enforced by the announcement of additional freighter capacity, support each other. VD Group and Liege Airport share the cargo DNA and we are looking forward to a successful future.”

The joint work will be organized through working project groups to strengthen communication and negotiation, discuss and finalize the cooperation details, work out specific programs, and carry out the regular review to drive implementation of relevant measures.