The founder of "Volga-Dnepr" Alexey Isaikin announced the prospects of soon transferring the cargo group to the state, reported "Kommersant". In a video from the 35th-anniversary celebration, which the publication reviewed, Isaikin noted that the group "is of interest to those who need its services," highlighting the "specifics of the current moment."
"If the homeland says that the company must serve the homeland, then that's it: nationalization, confiscation, a fair deal, any form," added the entrepreneur.
Market sources suggest that the remaining An-124s at "Volga-Dnepr" may be of interest to the Ministry of Defense, while commercial carriers may be interested in the Il-76.
A source close to the company's management noted that this possibility has been discussed since winter, after searches were conducted in the airline's office, and former co-owner, Isaikin's business partner Sergey Shklyanik, was summoned for a "talk" at the Investigative Committee. Currently, Isaikin is expecting a lawsuit from the Prosecutor General's Office and the forced conversion of his assets into state revenue, but he is still hoping for a commercial deal, concluded another "Kommersant" source.
The value of "Volga-Dnepr" airline's assets at the end of 2022, according to financial statements, was 46.8 billion rubles. However, several sources agree on an airline valuation within 30 billion rubles.