Volga-Dnepr Gulf (VD Gulf), representing Volga-Dnepr Technics in the Middle East region, has commenced operations in its new maintenance hangar facility in Sharjah.

On April 8th 2013 Volga-Dnepr Gulf obtained an official Operations Approval for the hangar facility issued by the Department of Civil Aviation Government of Sharjah, confirming that VD Gulf has successfully completed the required hangar safety procedures and is ready to provide aircraft maintenance, component repair and overhaul services.

Following the issuing of Operations Approval, VD Gulf successfully completed the towing of the first aircraft into the new hangar, an Antonov AN-124 ‘Ruslan’ freighter belonging to Volga-Dnepr Airlines. The towing procedure was carried out in cooperation with Sharjah International Airport Ground Handling Department and Aerosafety Management Department. During the towing procedure, VD Gulf technical staff conducted adjustments and testing of the facility’s docking systems, as well as the mark-up for placing the aircraft in the hangar and other related procedures. Another important task involved utilizing the communication systems for staff involved in the towing process.

Victor Sherin, Managing Director of Volga-Dnepr Gulf, confirmed the success of the towing procedure, saying: “Congratulations to all the team involved with the first aircraft towing into the new hangar for maintenance. This is an historical event for Volga-Dnepr Gulf!"

The launching of the new 22,000 square meter hangar complex at Sharjah Airport will allow the company to uphold its market position in the UAE. The hangar will be able to simultaneously accommodate six narrow-body aircraft or two wide-body aircraft of the Boeing 747 or Antonov AN-124 type. The facility is equipped with all necessary tools and equipment as well as modern air conditioning and fire fighting systems to perform safety maintenance services for the various aircraft types up to C-check.