World’s largest aircraft completed routine maintenance this week
Ukrainian airline Antonov Airlines is launching its 250-tonne capacity An-225 Mriya freighter into commercial operation to meet the surge in market demand for heavylift capacity.
The Mriya, with onboard loading equipment, and a cabin, which can be pressurised, will complement Antonov’s fleet of seven An-124s, two with a capacity of up to 150 tonnes.
Earlier in the year, the An-225 was involved in delivery of humanitarian and medical cargoes and transported more than 1,300 tonnes to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There is a surge in demand for AN-124 aircraft at the present time and therefore Antonov Airlines is doing its best to help customers in this difficult situation and support them worldwide, providing the required airlift capability,” said Andriy Blagovisniy, commercial director, Antonov Airlines.
He continued: “Taking into consideration the current very limited availability of AN-124 aircraft on the market, we are giving priority to time-critical cargo and to give additional lifting capacity, we will enter our AN-225 aircraft into commercial operation after running routine maintenance.”
The Mriya, meaning ‘dream’ in Ukrainian, has 242 world records to its name and is the only one in existence.
Antonov Airlines recently renewed its membership to leading international breakbulk specialist group, The Heavy Lift Group (THLG).
