Antonov Company
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Charter air transportation of oversized and extra heavy loads worldwide

  • Company founded in 1989
  • Operator of seven AN-124 aircraft of different modifications AN-124
  • Operator of the largest transport aircraft in the world AN-225
  • The only aircraft operator AN-22
  • Exercising fifth freedom traffic rights Ukraine-US open skies agreement
  • Flying 365 days a year 24/7

About Company

Antonov Airlines is the ANTONOV company’s subdivision that specializes in international cargo transportation.The airlines’ fleet includes one AN-225 Mriya, seven AN-124-100 Ruslans, one AN-22 Antei, two AN-12s one AN-26 and one AN-74T. Every year it carries hundreds of thousands of tons of unique cargoes, including those which can not be transported otherwise, to 800 airports across the world.

Industries

Fleet Antonov Airlines

AN-225 «Mriya» AN-225 «Mriya»

AN-225 «Mriya» – the world’s heaviest aircraft

  • Maximum load

    250000 kg

  • Cargo cabin

    43.3 x 6.4 x 4.4 m

Description and technical characteristics AN-225 «Mriya»

The AN-225 was originally developed to transport the Energiya carrier-rocket and Buran space shuttle between space facilities in the former Soviet Union. It made its first flight on December 21, 1988.

The AN-225 entered commercial service in 2001. Since then, it has operated flights all over the world carrying cargoes such as electrical transformers and mobile power generators. It also continues to support worldwide peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

The aircraft’s service life has been extended, meaning that the AN-225 will remain in operation until at least 2033.

Based on Antonov's AN-124 design, the AN-225 saw fuselage barrel extensions added fore and aft of the wings. The An-225 also uses the AN-124-100’s nose gear, which allows it to ‘kneel’ so that cargo can be easily loaded and unloaded. However, unlike the AN-124-100, which has a rear cargo door and ramp, the AN-225’s empennage design was changed from a single vertical stabilizer, to a twin tail with an oversized, swept-back horizontal stabilizer. This twin tail enabled the aircraft to carry large, heavy external loads, which would normally disturb the airflow around a conventional tail.

The AN-225’s cargo compartment can be pressurized, extending the aircraft’s transport capabilities. Its onboard cargo handling equipment, plus the design of the forward cargo door and its integral ramp, also ensure quick and easy loading/unloading operations.

The AN-225 is called ‘Mriya’, meaning ‘Dream’ in Ukrainian. It has 242 world records to its name and is the inspiration for Antonov Airlines’ slogan: “No other name carries more weight”.

AN-124 «Ruslan» AN-124 «Ruslan»

AN-124 «Ruslan» – heavy, long-distance transport aircraft

  • Maximum load

    120000 kg

  • Cargo cabin

    36.5 x 6.4 x 4.4 m

Description and technical characteristics AN-124 «Ruslan»

Antonov Airlines was the first operator to offer the AN-124-100 ‘Ruslan’ to the commercial market. Thirty years on, as the owner and operator of seven AN-124-100s (including two modernised versions with an increased payload up to 150,000kg (330,693lbs)), Antonov Airlines continues to set the standards.

The AN-124-100 can load shipments weighing up to 120,000kg (264,555lbs). However, two of Antonov Airlines’ seven AN-124-100s have been modified to accept 150,000kg (330,693lbs). To handle this increased weight, a new digital anti-skid braking system has been installed, together with strengthened tyres. The forward loading ramp has also been reinforced to accept heavier payloads. Designated AN-124-100M, Antonov Airlines’ modernised versions boast upgraded navigation systems (P-RNAV) and fully comply with the latest ICAO avionics and noise regulations, meaning that they can operate globally and without restriction.

The AN-124 fuselage comprises a double-deck layout. The lower deck measures 36.5m (1437in) in length, 6.4m (251.9in) in width and 4.4m (173.2in) in height. The upper deck consists of the cockpit in the forward section, and a technician/cargo attendant’s compartment in the rear.

The aircraft contains hatches in the upper deck allowing access to the wing and tail unit to facilitate maintenance when proper equipment is unavailable. There is also a well-equipped living area for the crew, which is useful on long-haul flights or when operating in remote areas.

Antonov AN-124-100M-150 vs AN-124-100 – the facts:

1) Payload increased up to 150,000kg (330693lbs) through reinforcement of fuselage structure, cargo floor and cargo ramp;

2) Weight of single-piece cargo increased to 120,000kg (264555lbs) following fuselage structure reinforcement and installation of nose door auxiliary supports;

3) Compliance with P-RNAV conditions following upgrading of flight and navigation equipment;

4) Take-off weight and fuel weight increased enhancing aircraft range;

5) Engine noise level reduced following installation of sound-absorbing cowlings;

6) Flight range increased;

7) Reshaped nose for better fuel efficiency.

AN-22 «Antei» AN-22 «Antei»

AN-22 «Antei» – propeller-driven aircraft

  • Maximum load

    60000 kg

  • Cargo cabin

    26.4 x 4.4 x 4.4 m

Description and technical characteristics AN-22 «Antei»

The AN-22A Antei is unrivalled in almost every aspect. It represents one of the key engineering achievements in aviation history.

This huge four-engine turboprop is the world's largest propeller-driven aircraft, holding a series of world records that are likely to remain unsurpassed.

The first prototype AN-22 was rolled out in August 1964. After months of test flying it made its international public debut at the 1965 Paris Air Show at Le Bourget. During its first 50 years of flying, the AN-22 set a total of 41 speed, payload and payload-to-height world records.

Originally built as a military aircraft, the AN-22’s cabin height mirrors that of the AN-124 and AN-225 – 4.4m (173.2in). Similarly equipped with an on-board crane system, the AN22 is just as practical, yet more economical. Thanks to its unrivalled payload of 60,000kg (132,277lbs), the AN-22 is the only widebody freighter able to undertake the transportation of outsize cargo to remote destinations. The aircraft has the capability to operate to relatively short, unpaved airstrips.

Only two airframes have ever seen commercial use. Although the AN-22A currently operated by Antonov Airlines is almost totally self-sufficient, requiring little ground support equipment thanks to its four onboard cranes with a combined capacity of 10,000kg (22,046lbs).

Having proved itself historically, the AN-22A is once again available for global transport duties. This aircraft provides a cost-effective alternative to cargo shipments that have traditionally been flown by jet aircraft such as the AN-124, IL-76 and B747F.

The unique AN-22A, however, remains the only method of air transportation for 60,000kg (132,277lbs) shipments to some of the world’s remotest regions where there are no big runways.

AN-74T AN-74T

AN-74T – Regional passenger aircraft

  • Passenger capacity

    44

  • Maximum speed

    700 km/h

  • Flight range with cargo

    2750 km

Description and technical characteristics AN-74T

Air Company “Antonov Airlines” provides services for charter flights from all Ukrainian airports and all over the world using the AN-74T airplane. The AN-74T airplane has an economy class passenger compartment of increased comfort.

AN-74T is a regional passenger airplane that demonstrates perfect technical characteristics and can be operated in all geographic regions, over ground and water surfaces, in all weather conditions, and at all times of the day.

The AN-74T airplane meets all airworthiness requirements for civil airplanes, which are extended on AN-74 base airplane.

AN-26-100 AN-26-100

AN-26-100 – Light Transport Aircraft

  • Maximum load

    4500 kg

  • Cargo cabin

    11.0 x 2.3 x 1.55 m

Description and technical characteristics AN-26-100

Because of largeness of the cargo door with width of 2.4 m and a special ramp-door installed on the airplane, it is possible to perform convenient loading from both the ground and a truck bed thus facilitating airplane loading and unloading.

The following methods are possible for loading:

- Travelling on their own (vehicles);

- By using an airborne crane (lifting capacity is up to 2 tons);

- By using a forklift loader;

- By using a manual loader.

Tie-down straps and nets are used for cargo lashing.

The story of success

  • 1986
    The world's first air cargo transportation of large sizes and heavyweight

    In April 1986, Antonov Company received a request from the Government of the USSR for the transportation of a wheel of a hydro turbine, measuring some 6 m in diameter and weighing 80 tons. The wheel had to be urgently delivered from Kharkiv in Ukraine to Tashkent, Uzbekistan for construction of the Tash-Kumyr Hydroelectric Power Station. Although the aircraft was not equipped with a loading system at that time, the government’s task was successfully completed. It was the first time that outsize and super-heavy cargo was transported by air. After the flight, the development of specialised loading equipment for the AN-124 aircraft began. Thanks to this equipment, the transportation of super-heavy single pieces and new world records in airlift have continued.

    The world's first air cargo transportation of large sizes and heavyweight
  • 1988
    he An-225 aircraft is included in the Guinness Book of World Records

    Antonov Airlines operate the unique AN-225 Mriya – the largest and heaviest aircraft in the world. The aircraft is powered by six turbojet engines, with a maximum take-off weight of 640 tons. The aircraft has a length of 84 m, wingspan of 88.4 m and height of 18.1 m. Its maximum payload is 250 tons. AN-225 was designed by the Antonov Company for transportation of the Energia rocket boosters and Buran space shuttle between the space programme facilities of the former USSR. AN-225 performed its maiden flight on December 21, 1988 and began its commercial operation in 2001. Since then, Mriya has flown all over the world transporting various cargoes and has been included in the Guinness World Record book.

    he An-225 aircraft is included in the Guinness Book of World Records
  • 1993
    The flight set yet another Guinness World Record for the airlift of the heaviest single piece

    On September 22, 1993, AN-124-100 Ruslan of Antonov Airlines transported a SIEMENS generator stator weighing 124 tons from Frankfurt in Germany to New-Delhi, India. To ensure that the aircraft floor could safely accommodate the weight, a special transport frame was designed and built to provide an equal load distribution. The frame worked similarly to skis on snow. The total weight of the generator stator, together with transport frame, was 135.2 tons (298 065 pounds). The flight was chartered to replace a damaged generator stator at the New-Delhi power station, which was subsequently transported to Germany for repair using the same aircraft. The flight set yet another Guinness World Record for the airlift of the heaviest single piece.

    The flight set yet another Guinness World Record for the airlift of the heaviest single piece
  • 1994
    Antonov Airlines set another Guinness World Record for transporting the heaviest cargo (plus equipment) of 146 tons.

    On June 9, 1994, Antonov Airlines delivered a 109-ton General Motors locomotive on an AN-124-100 from London, Ontario, Canada, to Dublin, Ireland. It became a record flight when the 3200 hp locomotive crossed the Atlantic by air. The flight took 12 hours with technical stops in Montreal, Gander, and Reykjavik for refueling. The locomotive could also lay claim to an unofficial speed record for a train by achieving a speed of over 850 km/h (530 mph) – about twice the speed of the fastest trains. The flight was chartered to begin clearance tests and driver training in advance of the delivery of a main order for Irish Rail. During the operation, Antonov Airlines set another Guinness World Record for transporting the heaviest cargo (plus equipment) of 146 tons.

    Antonov Airlines set another Guinness World Record for transporting the heaviest cargo (plus equipment) of 146 tons.
  • 2001
    Set 214 national records and 124 world records

    In September 2001, AN-225 Mriya transported five T-72 main battle tanks with total weight of 253.8 tons. During the flight, Pilot-in-Command, Oleksandr Halunenko and his crew set 214 national records and 124 world records including: - 253.8 t payload uplifted to an altitude of 10 570 meters; - achieved a speed of 763m/h with a payload of 253.8 tons over a 1,000km route. One of the design engineers of AN-225 recalled: “The flight was operated during warm season and normally no one tries to beat payload records during this time. But the aircraft managed to do that”.

    Set 214 national records and 124 world records
  • 2009
    The project was included in the Guinness World Record book. It still remains a valid world record today

    On August 11, 2009, Antonov Airlines set another world record by transporting a 174-ton ALSTOM generator from Frankfurt in Germany to Yerevan in Armenia. Due to Armenia being a land-locked country with mountainous areas, the generator could only be transported by air. Only the biggest aircraft in the world, AN-225, was capable of the task. To equally distribute the weight over the cargo floor, the generator was placed into a special transport frame. Having a total payload of 187.6 tons (including the frame), the generator became the heaviest single piece cargo ever transported by air. The project was required to expand the Yerevan power station and was included in the Guinness World Record book. It still remains a valid world record today.

    The project was included in the Guinness World Record book. It still remains a valid world record today
  • 2010
    Transportation of the longest cargoes in the history of air transport

    In June 2010, Antonov Airlines transported two test wind turbine blades 42.1 meters (138 feet) long from Shijiazhuang in China to Skrydstrup airport, Denmark. Although the total weight of the blades was only 15 tons, the AN-225’s cargo hold of 43.3 meters was capable of accepting the lengthy dimensions. 3D-modelling was used to identify correct positioning of the blades inside the cargo compartment. The blades had to be delivered urgently to Denmark for special strength and life-time tests. Therefore, sea and road transportation were impractical, taking around one month to deliver. Mriya completed the flight in just 12 hours.

    Transportation of the longest cargoes in the history of air transport
  • 2012
    AN-225 Mriya set another Guinness World Record

    In September 2012, AN-225 Mriya set another Guinness World Record. It was the highest altitude art exhibition ever organized on board of the aircraft, which reached a height of 10,150 meters (33,300 feet) above sea level. Antonov Airlines set the record together with Kyiv Producer Center Boyko, the main art exhibition organizer in AN-225. The highest art exhibition in the world included 500 works of art created by 120 artists. The flight was performed during the 8th AVIASVIT XXI Air Show in Kyiv and was recorded by a Guinness World Record official. The airlift champion, AN-225, had also succeeded in high art.

    AN-225 Mriya set another Guinness World Record
  • 2016
    To ensure equal distribution of the load over the cargo hold floor according to a concept developed by Antonov engineers, a special transport frame was designed and manufactured in Switzerland

    In November 2016, Antonov Airlines transported a 155t ABB transformer from San-Paulo (Brazil) to Santiago (Chile). Airlift was the only possible method of delivering the transformer, and the only aircraft capable of uplifting the necessary payload was, and still is, AN-225. To ensure equal distribution of the load over the cargo hold floor according to a concept developed by Antonov engineers, a special transport frame was designed and manufactured in Switzerland. The frame weighing over 23 tons was disassembled and delivered by B747 from Europe to Brazil. With a total weight of 182 tons comprising the frame and connections, the transformer duly became the second heaviest single-piece cargo ever carried by air, and the heaviest in Americas.

    To ensure equal distribution of the load over the cargo hold floor according to a concept developed by Antonov engineers, a special transport frame was designed and manufactured in Switzerland
  • 2018
    Series of 12 An-225 flights, becoming the largest project by number of flights and total payload ever carried in the commercial history of AN-225

    In summer 2018, Antonov Airlines successfully completed a series of 12 An-225 flights, becoming the largest project by number of flights and total payload ever carried in the commercial history of AN-225. During the consecutive flights the aircraft delivered 12 modules of Heat Recovery Steam Generators, each weighing 160 tons, from Iquique in Chile to Chimore, Bolivia. To equally distribute the cargo weight over the aircraft floor, a special loading system of Antonov Airlines was used, as well as damping panels and reverse bend technology. The project aided the development of the Entre Rios Electric Power Station in Bolivia. The customer selected transportation with AN-225 to guarantee the most reliable and fastest solution to such a challenging logistical task.

    Series of 12 An-225 flights, becoming the largest project by number of flights and total payload ever carried in the commercial history of AN-225
  • 1986
  • 1988
  • 1993
  • 1994
  • 2001
  • 2009
  • 2010
  • 2012
  • 2016
  • 2018

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  • UKRAINE office
Antonov Airlines