Maximus Air Cargo, the Abu Dhabi-headquartered
specialist ‘heavy-lifter’ of the aviation industry is undertaking a $10 million
overhaul of its Ilyushin fleet – extending their operating lifespan initially by
seven years.
The three IL76TD freighters were produced in 1992 and acquired by Maximus in 2005.
The carrier bought three additional D-130 KP-2 engines from NPO Saturn, Russia, a
year later.
The overhaul and upgrade programme is being undertaken with Aviazapchast in
conjunction with the Ilyushin Design Bureau.
One aircraft has already been completed at the Ryazan Plant 360 in the Russian
Federation, work on the second is under way, and the third will fly to Russia in January.
Each comprehensive overhaul takes six months to complete.
“Safety is the first issue,” says Maximus president and chief executive Fathi Hilal
Buhazza. “Our three aircraft are among the very few to be overhauled. Very rarely do
any of the other IL76-TDs operating from many ex-Soviet countries receive the same
care and attention”.
“More restrictions have been placed by EU legislation on ageing aircraft on the grounds
of safety and security. Given our substantial investment in life extending major overhaul
programme, this only benefits the Maximus Air Cargo fleet and will continue to do so in
the next seven years and beyond.”
The IL76TDs have a 46-ton payload and have a fully laden range of 2,450 nautical
miles. Aircraft in the Maximus fleet are customized for rear loading and have roof gantry
cranes installed. They operate in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Their ability to accommodate outsize loads, together with the built-in overhead crane
system, enables them to be loaded and unloaded to and from standard road haulage
vehicles without the need for ground handling equipment.
The Maximus IL76TD fleet is licensed under the Ukraine Air Alliance Air Operators
Certificate, meeting all ICAO requirements and can be operated to Stage II acceptable
airports worldwide.
This type of aircraft is mainly used for operating humanitarian flights and commercial
charters. “They have a very good track record and have enabled us to acquire a niche
market share in world air cargo,” said Buhazza.
