Volga-Dnepr (Hall 4 Stand E16) and Ilyushin Interstate Aviation signed a general agreement here Monday for three firm orders and 10 options for IL-76TD-90VD freighters. A firm contract is to be signed by the end of July with first delivery following within 15 months.

The Il-76TD-90VD is modernized with PS-90A-76 engines, current avionics and an increased payload of 50 metric tons. It complies with ICAO Chapter 4 noise limits and can operate to Europe, North America, Australia and Japan.

The first such aircraft was delivered to Volga-Dnepr in 2006 and a second is to follow in the third quarter of this year. Ilyushin Aviation Complex has reserved three IL-76TD airframes at Chkalov Tashkent Aircraft to meet the new order.

Volga-Dnepr established a leasing subsidiary to promote the modernization program in 2004. It anticipates the market will require 15 to 20 more aircraft by 2015.