• Once the largest Russian cargo airline group, Volga-Dnepr is preparing to change ownership following significant business challenges from sanctions.
  • The company has signed a purchase agreement with EAC Group, a company founded in 2025 by Evgeny Solodilin.
  • Solodilin previously served as the general director of Red Wings and as the head of Zhukovsky Airport.The deal is anticipated to close in early 2026.
  • The new ownership will take over a company operating in a market currently dominated by Chinese carriers.

Quick Summary

The Volga-Dnepr cargo airline group is set to undergo a major ownership change. Once considered the largest cargo airline group in Russia, the company's business has been severely impacted by international sanctions. A purchase agreement has been signed by EAC Group to acquire the airline.

EAC Group was founded in 2025 and is led by Evgeny Solodilin. Solodilin brings significant aviation experience to the role, having previously served as the general director of Red Wings, an airline part of the Rostec state corporation. He also previously held the position of head at Zhukovsky Airport.

The transaction is expected to be finalized in early 2026. The new owner will face a challenging market environment where Chinese carriers currently hold a dominant position. Furthermore, the industry faces operational risks, with cargo airlines reporting potential threats of a complete fleet stoppage.

The Acquisition Deal

EAC Group has finalized an agreement to purchase Volga-Dnepr. The acquiring entity is a relatively new organization, having been established in 2025. The group is headed by Evgeny Solodilin, a figure with a deep history in the Russian aviation sector.

Solodilin's background includes leadership roles in major aviation entities. He served as the general director for Red Wings, which is a subsidiary of the Rostec industrial conglomerate. Additionally, he previously served as the head of the airport in Zhukovsky. The transition of ownership is scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2026.

Market Context & Challenges

The sale of Volga-Dnepr occurs within a difficult economic landscape for Russian aviation. Sanctions have heavily impacted the airline's operations, leading to the decision to sell. The new ownership will inherit a business operating in a market where Chinese carriers have established dominance.

Overall air cargo volume in the region has shown specific metrics recently. For the period spanning January through September 2025, the freight turnover for Russian air transport reached 1.25 billion ton-kilometers. Despite this volume, the sector faces significant operational hurdles.

Reports indicate that cargo airlines have highlighted severe risks to their operations. Specifically, there are concerns regarding the potential for a complete stoppage of the fleet. These operational risks represent a major challenge for the incoming management team at EAC Group.

Conclusion

The impending acquisition of Volga-Dnepr by EAC Group marks a significant shift in the Russian air cargo market. The deal, led by experienced aviation executive Evgeny Solodilin, aims to stabilize a company heavily affected by sanctions. The transfer of ownership is expected to be completed in early 2026.

Success for the new entity will depend on navigating a market dominated by foreign competitors and addressing critical operational risks. The industry will be watching closely to see if the new leadership can secure the airline's fleet and restore its position in the logistics sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is buying Volga-Dnepr?

EAC Group, a company founded in 2025 and led by Evgeny Solodilin, is purchasing the airline.

When will the ownership change be finalized?

The deal is expected to close in early 2026.

What challenges does the new owner face?

The new owner faces a market dominated by Chinese carriers and risks of a complete fleet stoppage.