NATO and Ukraine to continue cooperation in the network of SALIS (Strategic Airlift Interim Solution) program for operating An-124-100 Ruslan heavy transport aircraft on behalf of EU and NATO, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

“NATO confirmed that it needs to continue operation of Ruslan aircraft in the network of SALIS program: recently the parties extended contract for operation of An-124-100 aircraft until the end of 2016,” a source said.

Under the contract, two An-124-100 aircraft are based in Germany and four more jets of the type may be provided upon request, he noted.

“The contract reflects the experience in cooperation and technical terms and conditions of the partnership,” he added.

Antonov Airlines (Ukraine) and Volga-Dnepr (Russia), the world’s leading operators of An-124-100 Ruslan heavy transport aircraft having a payload of 150 tons, have been providing services in the network of SALIS program since 2006.

In late 2005 the partners signed a three-year contract with NATO NAMSA worth €600 million for transportation of cargo on behalf of NATO and EU. The contract was extended in late 2008, 2010 and 2012 (for two more years each time).

Ruslan International Ltd (RI, Stansted, UK) established in 2006 by Antonov Airlines and Volga-Dnepr is the marketing representative of both the Ukrainian and the Russian operator.

Ruslan SALIS (RS, Leipzig, Germany) also transports cargo on behalf of 18 NATO member countries and EU in the network of NATO SALIS (Strategic Airlift Interim Solution) program.