Citi, DVB, HSBC and NORD/LB banks have signed an agreement with AirBridgeCargo on financial leasing of two new Boeing 747-8Fs, press-service of HSBC bank reports. AEX.ru

"Citi, DVB, HSBC and NORD/LB banks have signed an agreement for a period of 5 years with AirBridgeCargo, forming part of Volga-Dnepr Group, on financial leasing of two new Boeing 747-8Fs. The first aircraft has been delivered to the Russian carrier on January 26th 2012 and the second one – on March 30th. The total net borrowing is $245 million. DVB bank has acted as the agent and security trustee. The deal’s legal backing on the part of creditors has been performed by Clifford Chance and Norton Rose has provided the legal support for the borrower", - the press-service reported.

At present AirBridgeCargo operates two Boeing 747-200Fs, one Boeing 747-300SF and eight Boeing 747-400SFs. The acquisition of Boeing 747-8F is the important step on the way to implementation of Russian carrier’s business strategy, which assumes the gradual reduction of 200/300F models’ operation. The rest 747-8F aircraft will be redeemed by AirBridgeCargo in 2012-2013. Moreover, the Russian carrier has an option for purchasing of additional five Boeing 747-8F aircraft, HSBC noted.