Heirs Challenge Sale of Atran to Volga-Dnepr Group

A significant corporate dispute is brewing within the Russian aviation sector, as heirs of a former co-owner prepare to legally challenge the sale of the cargo airline Atran. The airline, which is part of the Volga-Dnepr Group, was recently acquired in a deal that also saw the transfer of its fleet to Aeroflot.

The challenge centers on the acquisition completed at the end of 2025, where the EAC Group—led by former airport director Evgeny Solodilin—purchased the airline's assets. While the legal grounds for the challenge are being formulated, the situation highlights the complexities of corporate succession and asset valuation in the aviation industry.

The transaction in question took place in the final weeks of 2025. Volga-Dnepr Group structures finalized the sale of Atran to EAC Group, a company founded by Evgeny Solodilin. Solodilin is a notable figure in the industry, having previously served as the general director of Zhukovsky Airport and the airline Red Wings.

The deal involved the transfer of specific aircraft assets, which were subsequently moved to Aeroflot. This transfer of physical assets is a central point of contention for the heirs disputing the sale. The acquisition was intended to consolidate assets under the new ownership structure of EAC Group.

• Transaction finalized in late 2025
• Buyer: EAC Group (Evgeny Solodilin)
• Seller: Volga-Dnepr Group structures
• Assets included aircraft transferred to Aeroflot

The plaintiffs in this case are the heirs of one of the original co-owners of Atran. Their legal action aims to invalidate the sale agreement and the subsequent transfer of the airline's fleet. The specific legal arguments have not been publicly disclosed, but such challenges typically involve disputes over valuation, inheritance rights, or the authority to execute the sale.

The involvement of Aeroflot as the recipient of the aircraft adds a layer of complexity to the proceedings. As the national flag carrier, its acquisition of assets from a subsidiary sale places it in a sensitive position within the broader corporate ecosystem.

Legal opinions regarding the potential success of this corporate dispute are divided.

However, a majority of legal analysts currently assessing the situation do not foresee significant risks threatening the validity of the transaction.

The dispute brings together several major entities in the Russian aviation market. Volga-Dnepr Group, a leading air cargo carrier, acted as the seller. The group has a long history in the industry and manages a diverse fleet of cargo aircraft.

EAC Group, the acquiring company, is headed by Evgeny Solodilin. His background includes leadership roles at Red Wings and Zhukovsky Airport, providing him with extensive experience in airline operations and airport management. This expertise is likely a key factor in the acquisition strategy.

The heirs challenging the sale represent the legacy interests of the airline's founding structure. Their intervention suggests a disagreement over the direction and valuation of the asset following the departure of the previous ownership.

This legal challenge arrives at a time of heightened activity in the aviation sector. Corporate restructuring and asset transfers are common as companies adapt to changing market conditions. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how inheritance claims interact with large-scale corporate mergers and acquisitions.

While most observers believe the transaction is secure, the mere existence of the challenge introduces uncertainty. It underscores the importance of clear succession planning and transparent valuation processes in high-stakes industries like aviation.

The case also highlights the interconnected nature of the industry, where the sale of a cargo airline directly impacts major passenger carriers like Aeroflot.

The legal proceedings initiated by the heirs of the former Atran co-owner are set to scrutinize the details of the 2025 sale. The court will likely examine the valuation of the airline and the authority under which the assets were transferred to Aeroflot.

For now, the EAC Group retains control of the acquired assets, and the operations continue under the new ownership structure. The aviation community will be watching closely to see how this dispute resolves, as it may influence future investment and acquisition strategies within the sector.

The key takeaway is that while the sale is currently viewed as low-risk by legal experts, the challenge introduces a variable that could delay or alter the final consolidation of these assets.