Volga-Dnepr Group's new German carrier will launch with a trio of leased B737-400(F)s, the Senior Vice President (Operations) at CargoLogicManagement (CLM) has told Cargo Forwarder Global.

In an interview, Ulrich Ogiermann said CargoLogic Germany (GCL, Leipzig/Halle) was still in the process of securing its AOC from the German civil aviation authority (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt - LBA) but does not anticipate any major obstacles given its full compliance with German regulations. He delcined to give a specific launch date adding that it all depends on the start-up completing all regulatory requirements.

However, once operational, CLG will focus on e-commerce traffic and will increase its fleet size should demand dictate it. Service will focus on linking its Leipzig/Halle hub with other e-commerce hot spots in central and western Europe, he said.

According to Ogiermann, Leipzig's cargo-friendly attitude, as well as its 24/7/365 operations, were significant factors in it choosing the airport as a hub. In addition, Volga-Dnepr Group has a large MRO facility located at the airport, thus guaranteeing CLG round-the-clock technical support.

In December last year, Volga-Dnepr Group Commercial Manager, Slava Shakov, said the firm aimed to have the certificate in place by the end of this year and may equip it with three An-124s to cater to EU-based demand.