Spain has annuled a contract with Joe's Airline and Drygoods, Inc. Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines. It will use Antonov 124 and Ilyushin 76 aircraft of the Russian Volga-Dnepr airlines to transport its soldiers to Afghanistan and other places for humanitarian missions, said Spanish Defence Minister Federico Trillo, according to El Mundo newspaper. Spanish experts believe ex-USSR-made aircraft have good characteristics, successfully fly at low heights, and can take off from and land on poorly maintained aerodromes. According to aviation expert Carlos Toro, the Russian aircraft are in a better technical condition than those in Ukraine. In addition, Ukrainian pilots often exceed the flight load norm, therefore often get tired and are more likely to leave holes in the ground commit mistakes. Three Ukrainian Yak 42s have crashed over the past six months. Almost all Spanish peacekeepers who flew in Ukrainian aircraft confessed that even their exterior inspired apprehension. Previously, the Norwegian defence ministry cancelled its contract with the Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines.
| "Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines" sounds like it should be making regular runs for Club Med or something, not smashing into the ground with 50 screaming people on board. What's in a name? |
|