Russian carrier Volga-Aviaexpress is to rebrand as Air Volga and is painting Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft in a corresponding new livery.

Air Volga is introducing two 50-seat CRJ200s which will be used from next year to operate to European destinations including Germany, France and the Czech Republic.

Images of the aircraft show that least one of the jets was formerly in service with now-defunct US regional carrier Independence Air.

Air Volga CRJ200
 © Air Volga

The Volgograd-based carrier had stated earlier this year that it was planning to acquire the type. It says it is in talks to take at least another three and expects to increase the fleet to 15-20 aircraft.

Air Volga also says, without giving further details, that it has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire two Boeing 737-500s.

Its current fleet comprises Soviet-era types including the Tupolev Tu-134 and Yakovlev Yak-42.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news