5.1.1 Transportation of cargo is carried out by passenger and cargo aircraft performing flights in the Russian Federation and international air services.

Transportation of cargo by passenger aircraft is performed in the procedure of its additional loading.

5.1.2 The Company accepts cargo for transportation if the nature of its packing and its properties can ensure its safe transportation. Some types of special cargo can be also accepted for transportation (perishables, dangerous goods, live animals etc.). Heavy and oversized cargo which requires special conditions during air transportation can also be accepted.

5.1.3 Conditions of transportation must not alter chemical, physical or other properties of the goods which can result in their damage or increase of hazard level during such transportation.

5.1.4 Cargo dimensions are limited by the size of cargo hatches and baggage compartments.

5.1.5 Weight of transported cargo is limited by admissible payload of utilized aircraft.

5.2.1 Transportation of cargo is performed after issuance of an airway bill by the Company or its authorized agent and payment for such transportation by a cargo consigner.

5.2.2 An airway bill shall be issued in three original copies: the first copy shall be kept at airport of departure for an issuing carrier, the second one is handed over to a consignee, and the third one – to a cargo consigner; and five duplicates which are required by airport of destination, the first carrier, the second carrier, carrier’s authorized agent, and for confirmation of cargo delivery.

An airway bill package can additionally include up to five duplicates, each having a number and a mark of being an additional duplicate.

5.2.3 The following information must be specified in an airway bill:

• conditions of air transportation agreement;
• conditions regarding limitation of responsibility of the Company during domestic and international cargo transportation for its loss, shortage, damage or delay in the course of such transportation. 

Conditions of the agreement must include: 

• obligation of the Company to deliver the accepted cargo to a point of destination and hand it over to a consignee, and obligation of a cargo consigner to pay for air transportation;
• the rights of a cargo consigner regarding receiving of cargo, submitted for transportation, change of a consignee, disposal of cargo if a consignee does not accept it for some reason;
• requirement to the Company to notify a consignee on arrival of cargo to a point of destination, and obligation of a consignee to receive and take the cargo out;
• applied fines for the failure to fulfill the conditions of air transportation agreement, and breach of obligation to compile commercial statements with claims and application of other penalties stipulated by the existing laws and regulations;
• obligation of a cargo consigner with respect to cargo air transportation, violation of laws and other regulatory documents of the state to/from which the cargo can be transported;
• information regarding the conditions of dangerous goods transportation. 

5.2.4 Typographic text on the front cover of an airway bill form (name of the form, names of columns and other information), and on the reverse side of an airway bill form must be in Russian and English.

On the reverse side of an airway bill form it is permitted to specify information regarding limitation of responsibility of the Company and conditions of air transportation agreement in the event of domestic air services in Russian only, and in the event of international air services – in English. 

5.3.1 On regular international air lines the sale of cargo transportation services is performed according to tariffs established by the Company.

The amount of transportation fee is published in USD per 1 kg of cargo (gross).

If transportation services are paid for with the currency different from a published tariff, then calculation of equivalent in payment currency is performed based on official bank rate as of the date of payment.

5.3.2 On regular domestic air lines the sale of cargo transportation services is performed according to tariffs established by the Company.

The amount of transportation fee is published in RUR per 1 kg of cargo (gross). Payment for transportation is performed according to the actual gross weight of the cargo submitted for transportation. Uneven kilograms are rounded upward. Round-off is performed according to the following rules: under 500 g – down to even kilogram, 500 g or more – up to even kilogram. Cargo under 5 kg is charged as cargo weighing 5 kg.

5.3.3 Tariffs established by the Company include payment for cargo transportation only (cost of air freight, cargo handling on the apron – loading/unloading from AC) and do not include additional services such as customs clearance, door-to-door delivery, storage and other fees (transfer etc), charges or duties, paid by a cargo consigner separately.

5.3.4 The deadline for transportation advance payment is specified during confirmation of booking and is usually limited by three days before flight departure. In case of later booking payment for transportation must be done within the day when booking was made. If booking was made less than 12 hours before the flight departure, the payment must be done immediately after booking confirmation.

5.3.5 The amount of payment is calculated by a sales agent in the agency based on information provided by a cargo consigner during booking. The final settlement between a cargo consigner and the Company is done when an airway bill is issued at a cargo storage facility after cargo weighing and measurement procedure.

5.4.1 A cargo consigner shall have the right to declare the value of outgoing cargo, and such declaration is indicated in a corresponding section of an airway bill. The amount of cargo declared value shall not exceed its actual cost.

5.4.2 If cargo value is not declared, a consigner must make a marking “NVD” (no value declared) in a corresponding section of an airway bill.

5.4.3 If there is a difference in estimation of cargo value by the Company and a cargo consigner, then a cargo consigner shall provide evidence of the cost of cargo (invoice, price-list or other documents) for which the value is declared. If the necessary evidence of the amount of declared value is not available, the Company shall have the right to deny transportation of cargo with declared value of the amount specified by a cargo consigner.

5.4.4 The following items are accepted for transportation with mandatory declaration of value:

• used cargo, if  the degree of wear is not determined;
• furs, optical glass, carpets;
• unaccompanied personal belongings of individuals. 

5.4.5 It is not allowed to declare the value of the following items:

• perishables;
• dangerous goods;
• cargo transported with an accompanying person of a consigner or consignee. 

5.4.6 Declaration of cargo value is charged according to the rules on the Company tariffs application.

5.5.1 Cargo is accepted for transportation subject to the following conditions: 

• cargo dimensions must provide for its easy loading (unloading) on (from) aircraft, its arrangement in cargo and baggage compartments and its securing, including on/in unit load devices;
• weight, dimensions and volume of cargo do not exceed the limits established for a certain type of aircraft, including during its securing on/in unit load devices;
• cargo must be contained in integral packages ensuring its secure tie-down on board and safe transportation, transfer from aircraft to aircraft and storage;
• packing of each cargo place must have shipping and transportation marking, and cargo which requires special conditions of transportation must also have special marking;
• during transportation cargo must not constitute a hazard to passengers, AC crew members or other baggage;
• a cargo consigner shall provide necessary documents stipulated by the laws and regulations of the Russian Federation, and laws and regulations of the country from/to or across the territory of which transportation is performed, international agreements and carrier’s rules;
• export, import, transit or transfer of cargo must be permitted by the laws and rules of the country from/to or across the territory of which transportation is performed. 

5.5.2 Perishables, dangerous goods, live animals and other special types of cargo are accepted for transportation if it is allowed by the laws and regulations of the Russian Federation, other countries, international civil aviation documents and other regulatory civil aviation documents, and by these rules. 

5.5.3 In the course of transportation of cargo which requires special conditions of transportation, a cargo consigner shall provide simultaneously with providing an airway bill all documents in accordance with sanitary, quarantine and other rules of transportation of these types of cargo. When accepting the cargo the Company checks the availability of these documents. 

5.5.4 A cargo consigner is responsible for accuracy of cargo related information which he specifies in an airway bill. A cargo consigner is responsible for the damage to the Company or other person due to incorrectness, inaccuracy or incompleteness of such information. 

5.5.5 The procedure of handling and acceptance of cargo consists of the following operations:

• booking of the initial and transfer cargo;
• prepayment of the transportation;
• issuance of airway bill;
• customs permit for cargo transportation (if it is necessary);
• weighing and marking;
• measurement of the volume;
• final settlement for transportation;
• storage, material accountability storage;
• consolidation of cargo for the flight;
• transfer from a storehouse to AC parking place;
• loading on AC;

• cargo securing. 

5.5.6 A cargo consigner shall deliver the cargo to an airport within the agreed time, defined by the cargo terminal working time. Transportation of this cargo must have confirmed booking and shall be paid for. 

The document for a cargo consigner which confirms the acceptance of cargo for transportation shall be an AWB copy (original copy No.3) which is a legal document confirming conclusion of an agreement for air transportation of this cargo.

5.6.1 When accepting the cargo the Company or its authorized agent shall perform weighing of cargo in the presence of cargo consigner and indicated its actual weight in an airway bill.

5.6.2 When accepting large-dimensioned and (or) other oversize cargo it is allowed to be governed by weight specifications of cargo indicated in technical documentation of cargo consigner which specified in an airway bill.

5.6.3 Cargo consigner is responsible for the reliability of provided information regarding the weight of large-dimensioned and other over-dimensioned cargo in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.

5.7.1 The packing of transported cargo must be integral and comply with the applicable standards and technical requirements for this type of cargo and prevent the access to its contents.

5.7.2 Packing of dangerous goods presented for air transportation must comply with the requirements set by IATA Transport of Dangerous Goods Recommendations (DGR) and ICAO “Technical instructions on Safe Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Air.

5.7.3 Packing of cargo presented for air transportation must be dry and clean, have no sharp corners, protrusions or anything that could cause contamination or damage AC compartments and equipment, or baggage and mail.

5.7.4 Metal, glass, ceramic, wooden, plastic and other types of packing of liquid and other goods which are transported by air, must withstand the internal excess pressure which depends on the flight altitude and temperature, and ensure absence of a leak, spill or scattering of the contents.

5.7.5 The Company has the right to deny acceptance of cargo for transportation, if its packing does not ensure its safety.

5.7.6 Each piece of cargo must have shipping marking, and special purpose cargo must have special marking. The marking must be clear, firm and distinct.

5.7.7 A carrier or his authorized agent shall specify the airport of departure, airport of destination, transfer airport if any, the quantity of cargo pieces of cargo consignment, cargo sequence number, its weight and number of the airway bill.

A cargo consigner must state true and sufficient information regarding cargo consigner’s and consignee’s name and address, cargo weight, quantity of cargo pieces of cargo consignment, cargo sequence number specified in cargo consigner’s marking, and information regarding the nature of cargo which requires special conditions during transportation.

Cargo consigner’s marking must contain symbols indicating manner of handling (manipulation symbols).

5.7.8 Airport of departure marks the cargo with adhesive tag where the number of airway bill, airport of departure and destination, number of pieces, cargo weight are specified.

5.7.9 The Company has the right to deny acceptance of cargo for transportation if its marking does not comply with the applicable standards.

5.8.1 Loading and unloading of cargo to an aircraft is usually performed by the Company or its authorized agent. In specific cases as agreed upon with the federal executive civil aviation authority, the Company shall have the right to accept cargo for transportation provided that it is loaded (unloaded) to (from) an aircraft by cargo consigner or consignee.  Loading and unloading by cargo consigner (consignee) is performed under the instruction control of the Company or its authorized representative.

5.8.2 The Company shall have the right to request cargo consigner (consignee) to provide special devices, equipment and support materials for loading (unloading) of over-dimensioned and heavy cargo consignments.

5.9.1 Lightweight cargo is the cargo when the unit volume exceeds 0,006 cm (6000 cc) per 1 gross kg. 

5.9.2 Payment for transportation of lightweight cargo is made according to the volume weight which is calculated based on a special formula: the volume of each piece of baggage is divided by 6.000.

5.10.1 A cargo consignment heavier than 80 kg shall be considered a heavy cargo consignment. The maximum weight of one piece of heavy cargo depends on AC type (maximum unit pressure upon AC floor), airport capabilities (availability of equipment and labor power). 

5.10.2 Heavy cargo containers shall endure the load equal to the weight of cargo with consideration of overload factor. Heavy cargo without containers (electric motors, engines etc.) shall be submitted for transportation mounted on special wooden pallets or packed with spacing material in the form of wooden blocks or boards so that the pressure upon aircraft floor did not exceed the established standard and ensured the possibility of loading devices operation. 

5.10.3 During transportation of heavy and over-dimensioned cargo consignments, loading, securing and calculation of bearing walls stability shall be regulated by the instructions on loading, unloading, securing and transportation of cargo by aircraft of corresponding types. 

5.10.4 Heavy cargo shall be duly packed and loaded so that it did not damage AC structure or other cargo consignments.

5.11.1 Transfer cargo is accepted for transportation after confirmation of booking in all segments of the route of cargo transportation (including the segments of other carriers). 

5.11.2 During acceptance of cargo for transportation the Company or its authorized agent issue an airway bill where transfer airports are indicated. 

5.11.3 The Company shall deliver transfer cargo to a transfer airport prior to aircraft departure by a connection flight so that all administrative formalities and procedures on transfer of cargo from one aircraft to another were performed. 

5.11.4 International air transportation of transfer cargo is carried out in accordance with the requirement of state authorities of the countries across which transportation is performed. 

5.11.5 Transfer cargo which arrived at transfer airport in the packing which does not ensure its safety for further transportation, must be repacked by the carrier who transfers the cargo. Further transportation of transfer cargo is performed after rectification of the packing irregularity and reissuance of an airway bill with a corresponding statement attached to a transportation document. 

5.11.6 The Company is not responsible if the cargo is delayed in transfer point, and this delay was due to unavailability of the required documents or their incorrect execution.

5.12.1 Perishable cargo consignments for the purpose of these rules are subdivided into:

• plant products: fruit, berries, vegetables etc.;
• animal products: animal and poultry meat, refrigerated and smoked fish, eggs, caviar etc.;
• derived products: butter and oil, fats, frozen fruit and berries, sausage goods and cheese etc.;
• juvenile fish, young-of-the-year etc.;
• preserved blood, vaccines, biological preparations etc. 

5.12.2 Perishable cargo is accepted for transportation provided that cargo consigner presents necessary documents (certificates, licenses) which confirm that the cargo will not lose its quality during transportation. 

5.12.3 The documents which confirm the quality of perishable cargo must specify the maximum period of this cargo transportation by air. The Company can deny transportation of perishable cargo or return it to cargo consigner if cargo consigner can not deliver it within the prescribed period. 

If the accepted perishable cargo can be carried within the period specified in an airway bill, the Company shall immediately notify a cargo consigner and return the cargo and the freight charge, unless other instructions are submitted by cargo consigner.

5.13.1 Human remains in coffins, funeral urns as well as animal remains in boxes are accepted for transportation by air if they ensure compliance with sanitary regulations. 

5.13.2 Human remains can be accepted for transportation subject to presentation by the shipper of a death certificate issued by the Civil Registry Office and a certificate of the health authorities stating that they do not object to the transportation of human remains. 

5.13.3 Similarly, animal remains can be accepted for transportation subject to presentation by the shipper of a certificate issued by the veterinary authority. 

5.13.4 The following packs are accepted for transportation by air:

• Metal or metal plated wooden coffins (boxes for animals), thoroughly sealed, inserted in wooden boxes. Free space between the metal coffin and wooden box shall be filled with sawdust, coal, peat or lime;

• Funeral urns – in upholstered boxes.

As a rule, coffins with the deceased are transported with accompanying persons.  

5.13.5 Coffins with the deceased as well as animal remains can be transported by passenger aircraft only if the aircraft has a baggage and cargo compartment isolated from passenger cabin. 

5.13.6 It is prohibited to transport coffins with the deceased as well as animal remains in one cabin with the passengers. 

5.13.7 Funeral urns can be transported both in baggage and cargo compartments and in the passenger cabin as checked-in baggage or cargo. 

5.13.8 Coffins with the deceased and boxes with animal remains shall be loaded in passenger aircraft prior to passengers’ boarding, and in the airport of destination they shall be unloaded after passengers’ disembarkation and baggage unloading. It is prohibited to conduct farewell or other official ceremonies during loading and unloading of coffins with the deceased on board the aircraft.  

5.13.9 Transportation of coffins with deceased adults and children of 12 years old and older by regular flights shall be charged as per the freight rate on the basis of 200 kg, regardless of the coffin’s weight. 

Transportation of coffins with deceased children below 12 shall be charged as per the freight rate on the basis of 100 kg, regardless of the coffin’s weight.

Accompanying persons shall buy a passenger ticket as per the fixed rate. Transportation of funeral urns shall be charged as per the baggage rate on the basis of 5 kg, regardless of the urn’s weight.

5.14.1 Dangerous goods are substances which in the course of transportation, loading, unloading and storage can cause an explosion, fire or damage of an aircraft or its equipment, facilities, cargo and baggage at airport and on board, injuries, poisonings, burns or radiation exposure of people and animals.  

5.14.2 Transportation of dangerous goods by air is performed in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Russian Federation and other states, ICAO documents, international treaties of the Russian Federation and Federal Aviation Regulations.

5.15.1 Live animals (domestic and wild animals, birds, bees, fish etc.) are accepted for transportation provided that veterinary certificates are presented by a cargo consigner, and quarantine certificates if it is necessary.  

5.15.2 Transportation of live animals is performed with an accompanying person provided by a cargo consigner or consignee. 

Accompanying person is responsible for safety of animals (domestic and wild animals, birds, fish), care and feeding during transportation, safety of crew members and other persons. 

5.15.3 A cargo consigner shall provide necessary food, water, feeding inventory for live animals transportation, as well as dunnage and support material, veterinary medical kits and overalls for accompanying persons.  

5.15.4 A cargo consigner shall provide food and water reserve in case of unforeseen aircraft delays during transportation. 

5.15.5 During transportation of domestic and wild animals a cargo consigner shall provide special boxes or containers for their transportation.

5.16.1 In case of aircraft passenger underloading the Company can carry baggage, mail and cargo on vacant seats in a passenger cabin provided that standards of passenger service are complied with. 

5.16.2 Transportation of baggage, mail and cargo in passenger cabins of the Company aircraft without their reconfiguration into a cargo version is an exception and in accordance with AC "Weight and Balance Manual" ("РЦЗ-83" - russian version of WBM doc, clause 3.6.919) may be performed upon authorization of PIC provided that there is special equipment (nets, covers) for cargo securing on board an aircraft. 

5.16.3 These Rules are intended for the Company compliance with the established safety and on-board service standards during transportation of baggage, mail and cargo in aircraft passenger compartments subject to conditions indicated in a certificate. 

5.16.4 For the purpose of this type of transportation services aircraft must be additionally equipped with tie-down nets or straps, protective seat covers which are included into the list of AC on-board assets. 

5.16.5 To prevent contamination of seat covers by cargo packing, the seats must be protected by covers prior to loading procedure. 

5.16.6 It is allowed not to use tie-down nets or straps, protective seat covers if: 

• cargo is located between the seats and under the seats, and is securely fastened by the seats so that its shift during the flight under the influence of its weight is excluded;
• weight of each piece of cargo does not exceed 10 kg;
• condition and packing of cargo exclude damage of seat covers. 

5.16.7 Cargo (baggage): 

• must be packed in soft tare (bag, cardboard box);
• must not have any sharp corners which can damage seats and seat covers;
• must not exceed the width of the seats (protrude to the passage), and the height of seat backs;
• each piece of cargo must not exceed the weight of 50 kg, on a seat – not more than 80 kg. 

5.16.8 Fastening of baggage (mail, cargo) on seats is done by means of a net or by special straps. Attachment points are located at the legs of seat attachment to compartment floor. Location of attachment points (along the perimeter of seats) must ensure secure fastening of baggage (mail, cargo) on the seats and prevent its shift during the flight. 

5.16.9 The cargo shall be arranged in a cabin so that AC centre of gravity in accordance with balance schedule did not exceed the recommended range, and cargo weight shall be considered – 40 kg inclusive – equivalent to weight of a child, and considerable weight – equivalent to the weight of an adult. Baggage (mail, cargo) loading into AC cabin shall be usually carried out before passengers boarding. 

5.16.10 During passengers and cargo transportation in one cabin, seats behind and in front of the cargo, and seats opposite the cargo in an adjacent row must be vacant. 

5.16.11 It is not allowed to: 

• arrange the cargo on the seats opposite emergency exits and in aisles;
• arrange the cargo on seats without protective covers and tie-down nets (straps);
• secure the cargo be means of safety belts intended for the use by passengers;
• fasten tie-down nets (straps) to seat armrests;
• start AC movement with unsecured cargo or loose tie-down nets (straps). 

5.16.12 Cargo loading and fastening with tie-down nets (straps) is performed by a responsible representative of an airport (loader) under supervision of a crew member responsible for loading.  

5.16.13 AC Pilot-in-command is responsible for cargo arrangement in accordance with balance schedule and transportation subject to these Rules.  

5.16.14 Pressure upon the floor of a baggage compartment shall not exceed the maximum value specified in a Flight Manual. Payload shall not exceed the maximum value specified in a Flight Manual.

5.17.1 Transportation of cargo is deemed to be performed after delivery of cargo to a consignee in accordance with conditions specified in an airway bill. 

5.17.2 The Company or its authorized agent shall notify a consignee on arrival of cargo within twelve hours after arrival of an AC which delivered the cargo to an airport of destination, and as far as cargo requiring special conditions of transportation (except for over-dimension, heavy and bulky cargo) is concerned – within three hours after arrival of an AC which delivered the cargo to an airport of destination, unless otherwise is indicated in air transportation agreement. 

A notice is sent by mail or in other commonly accepted manner. The Company is not responsible for not receiving or delay of such notice.  

5.17.3 A consignee shall accept and take away the cargo which arrived at his address. The delivery of cargo is performed at airport of destination to a cargo consignee or his authorized person specified in an airway bill.  

5.17.4 If requested by a consignee, when delivering the cargo a carrier shall check the number of seats and the weight of cargo, and specify this weight in an airway bill.  

5.17.5 Delivery of cargo to a customs institution or another state authority according to their request or in the absence of a consignee shall be considered performed to the benefit of a consignee provided that the Company or its authorized agent submit the documents to a consignee (consigner) which confirm such cargo delivery.  

5.17.6 If tare or packing damage, or damage of consigner’s seal which can influence the condition of cargo, are detected, the Company or its authorized agent shall open and check the cargo in damaged packing in the presence of a consignee under packing lists, invoices and consigner’s documents. 

Opening of a cargo packing is done by a commission, established by the Company or its authorized agent. After opening of a packing, the cargo shall be packed again and sealed by the Company or its authorized agent.  

Opening of cargo is confirmed by a statement where the actual weight of damaged cargo consignment, quantity of cargo consignments in a cargo shipment are specified, the internal contents and condition of damaged cargo consignments are described. The statement is signed by the Company. 

5.17.7 A consignee shall have the right to refuse accepting damaged cargo if it established that cargo quality changed to the extent that it can not be used fully or in part compared to its initial purpose.  

Consignee shall pay all due charges and fees, including the fees which were not recovered from a cargo consigner during acceptance of cargo for transportation, and accept the cargo from the Company.

5.18.1 The Company or its authorized agent shall ensure proper storage of cargo arriving to the airport of destination during the established storage time before its delivery to consignee. 

5.18.2 If a consignee does not receive the cargo within three days of the date following the notification on its arrival, or within the period specified by the Company or indicated in cargo air transportation agreement, or refuses to accept it, then the Company shall notify the consigner, and keep the cargo for storage at the expense and risk of a consigner. 

If a consignee does not claim for the arriving cargo within 10 days of the date of notification, the Company shall send a notice to a consignee on the necessity to receive the cargo.  

If the cargo is not received within ten days of the date of notification, or if a consignee refuses to receive it, the Company shall notify a cargo consigner on failure to hand over the cargo. This notice shall contain the warning on possible disposal or recycling of cargo in the event there are no instructions from a consigner within the time specified in the notice.  

If there are no instruction from a consigner within thirty days of the date of notification of the failure to hand over the cargo, or if it is not possible to follow the instructions, the cargo shall be considered unclaimed and may be disposed of or destroyed.  

5.18.3 Cargo arriving to airport of destination without documents and (or) proper marking shall be stored at the airport until its identity is determined. The Company or its authorized agent shall take necessary measures to identify the cargo and deliver it to a consigner.   

Cargo which is not identified within 60 days shall be deemed undocumented and shall be disposed of. Cargo arriving to airport of destination without documents, but which is identified, shall be handed over to consignee under a delivery certificate.  

5.18.4 The following types of cargo are subject to disposal:

• unclaimed cargo with the expired storage time;
• identity of cargo was not determined during the storage period (undocumented cargo);
• perishable cargo. 

5.18.5 If it is possible the Company or its authorized agent shall notify a consigner of their decision to dispose of the cargo. 

5.18.6 The Company or its authorized agent can dispose of the cargo without the decision of a consigner, if a delay in disposal the cargo can result in cargo damage or complete failure to use it for its intended purpose. The Company shall notify a cargo consigner and consignee of such disposal.