The state Russian and Ukrainian Interstate Aviation Committee has presented a certificate to confirm that the new Ruslan AN-124-100M-150 freighter modification is compliant with international regulations and safety requirements.

"Today marks another step in launching production of a new, modified version of the AN-124 cargo aircraft," said Volga-Dnepr Group president Alexey Isaikin. "The AN-124-100 remains an unrivalled aircraft in operating capability and this is further evidence that the freighter has a great future."

Vladimir Bespalov, the Committee's aviation registry chairman presented the certificate at a ceremony, with representatives including Dmitry Kiwa, ADB general designer; Vyacheslav Boguslaev, director general of Motor Sich and Ukraine Industrial Policy Minister Anatoly Golovko.

The AN-124-100 Ruslan is a unique freighter that remains unmatched in the world market in terms of capacity, range and cost, said a Volga-Dnepr statement. "The Ruslan is the only freighter able to carry cargo up to 150 tonnes and 6.5 metres in diameter," the company statement said.