November 4 - Volga-Dnepr Airlines has been voted 'Best Cargo Charter Airline of the Year 2009' by the Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA).

The award was presented by Graeme Sweenie, chief commercial officer of the sponsor, Infratil Airports Europe, at a special BACA 60th Anniversary awards luncheon. This year's event attracted a record audience of 320 senior air charter industry executives.

Dennis Gliznoutsa, group commercial director (charters), said: "It was a pleasant surprise to be honoured with such a prestigious award from BACA. Despite it being a difficult year, we are proud that as a company we have continued to fulfill our customers' expectations and this award recognises the success of our hard working team."

Heavy lift air freight chartering was represented in the Best Cargo Charter Airline category. Finalists were MK Airlines, Titan Airways and Volga-Dnepr Airlines.

Six other categories, including passenger charter airline, best airport and handling agent, were also judged.

Dick Gilbert, BACA chairman, said that despite the tough economic times, the air charter industry continues to produce quality and excellent service. The guests at the awards lunch also contributed generously to the BACA charity, Under Tree Schools, which supports education in southern Sudan. A total of GBP2,800 was raised.