Polet (Voronezh Chertovitskoye) has been ordered to ground its two An-124s, RA-82068 (msn 9773051359127) & RA-82077 (msn 9773054459141), following an interdict from the Moscow Arbitration Court. As of February 16, both aircraft were still actively operating though. Russia's AEX.ru says the dispute arose after two firms belonging to billionaire Alexander Lebedev, Tehnolizingsteyt and Aerotraslizing, claimed Polet had failed to settle outstanding leases and other debts amounting to USD9million. The two freighters were financed by Mr Lebedev's companies in tandem with the Ilyushin Finance Co (IFC). It is believed that Mr Lebedev swapped his 25.8% stake in IFC for two AN-124s, believed to be those operated by Polet. In a statement issued to the Loadstar, Polet said it is taking measures to fight the court's decision with an appeal having now been lodged. Polet continues to operate two An-148-100s, five Saab 2000s and five Saab 340Bs.
Moscow court orders Polet to ground its An-124 heavylift freighters
Polet Antonov An-124-100,
© Tis Meyer (PlanePics.org)