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Volga-Dnepr Group announced that it has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore Space & Technology Ltd (SSTL) to support Singapore, as well as other countries of Southeast Asia, in the field of space logistics.
"The Group will be able to offer its integrated logistics services to support SSTL's network of space companies for the launch of their satellites, whereas SSTL will create more awareness of the Group’s services in the Singapore space ecosystem," the Group said in a statement.
With 30+ years of experience and competence in the aerospace sector, Volga-Dnepr noted that it will provide transportation and charter services for satellites, from manufacturing and assembly sites to required end destinations, covering, if required, design solution, first/last mile, terminal handling, customers clearance.
"Within our Group, we strongly believe in partnerships that broaden capabilities and open new opportunities not only for two companies but also for the whole sector. The aerospace sector has been demonstrating positive dynamics amid the active development of satellites' launch programmes, ramped up by IoT (internet of things) penetration across various industries, mobile network spread, including 5G, and other forward-thinking projects," said Oleg Novikov, development director, Southeast Asia of Volga-Dnepr Group.
"We are happy to be part of this challenging environment and spin aerospace logistics across the globe in the interest of our partners and customers," he added.
Aerospace sector expansion in Asia
Jonathan Hung, executive chairman of SSTL, for his part said through this partnership, Volga-Dnepr Group will work with SSTL to provide transportation and charter services for satellites, and support SSTL's network of space companies to navigate relevant regulatory requirements, providing an alternative option for satellite airlift.
He noted that to illustrate, on January 27 this year, the Ilyushin Il-76, an enormous freighter owned by Volga-Dnepr Airlines, carried a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite owned by Japanese-based Earth Observation space company, Synspective.
"The freighter landed at Auckland International Airport, where the satellite is destined to be launched into orbit by New Zealand-founded space company Rocket Lab. This is a clear example of what SSTL and Volga-Dnepr Group can achieve together to support the Aerospace industry," Hung added.
Volga-Dnepr has been providing dedicated logistics services for the aerospace industry for more than three decades delivering satellites, aircraft spare parts and even parts of the fuselage.
Throughout 2021 the Group has delivered over 4,000 tonnes of aerospace equipment aboard its unique ramp freighters - An-124 and Il-76 and is set to support its customers further.
In its statement, Volga-Dnepr said the agreement was officially signed during the Global Space and Technology Convention (GSTC) 2022 held in Singapore at the beginning of February, with the signing ceremony being attended by senior managers of both parties and the Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Singapore.
