Ukrainian freighter Antonov Airlines has been awarded a five-year contract extension to continue its work on the ‘Strategic Airlift International Solution’ (SALIS) – a joint programme by NATO and the European Union.

Under the programme, the super-heavy cargo transportation specialist will ensure two of its AN-124-100s are available around-the-clock for SALIS, with additional AN-124-100 plans available on request.

An Antonov representative said: “This new long-term contract confirms that NATO appreciates the high level of services provided by our company and trusts its Ukraine partner.”

Ukraine and NATO have been cooperating under the SALIS programme since January 2006, during which time ANTONOV has provided strategic airlift for NATO and the the European Union.

The contract extension was awarded following successful negotiations between Antonov Company, Antonov Logistics GmbH (ALS), and NSPA, and is the first time it have been signed for a five-year period.