Volga-Dnepr operated its first flight from an airfield in the Pyrenees in over a decade when it transported two Super Puma helicopters from France to take part in a military parade to mark Mexico's bicentenary celebrations.

The helicopters represented France in the special parade and were delivered to Santa Lucia onboard one of Volga-Dnepr's AN-124-100 freighters. The event on September 16th featured some 18,000 soldiers, 5,000 marines, and 636 federal police officers marching along Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma Avenue. They were joined by troops from 16 guest nations including China, Colombia, Spain, Russia, France, Brazil, Argentina, El Salvador, Peru, Nicaragua and the United States.

Military aircraft and helicopters roared overhead throughout the parade. The French Puma helicopters took part to reflect the country's strong partnership and friendship with Mexico.

The unique operating capability of the AN-124-100 means Volga-Dnepr's fleet is regularly chartered to transport military and civilian helicopters all over the world. The AN-124 is the only aircraft able to carry helicopters with minimum disassembly. Only the helicopter blades needed to be disassembled for the flight to Mexico.

After the parade, Volga-Dnepr safely delivered the Super Puma's back to their base in the Pyrenees.