Ruslan International successfully completes major heavy cargo airlift in support of Kabul Power Plant construction.

15-May-2009

Following six months of planning, and a subsequent nine month operation period, during April 2009, Ruslan International has successfully completed the air transport of various heavy and outsized components being used in the construction of Kabul’s new 100 Mega Watt Power Plant. Working on behalf of Agility’s Defence & Government Services division, contracted by the USAID Prime Contractor, the project involved more than 70 Antonov AN-124 flights from the UAE and Mexico, many with outsize items such as diesel engines, transformers and chimneys.

Challenges faced the project team including the harsh operational conditions in Kabul, particularly during the summer months and the lack of suitable offloading equipment required the airlift of all the necessary lifting and ground transportation equipment for the heaviest cargo – namely the CAT diesel engines.

The Power Plant was delivered in three ‘blocks’ with the first already on line and the final block being on line before the end of 2009 and on completion will improve the quality of life for the people of Kabul, some of whom, have not had reliable electricity supplies.