ANTONOV AIRLINES COMPLETES LONGEST SUCCESSION OF AN-225 FLIGHTS
ANTONOV Airlines delivers giant generators from Chile to Bolivia over 12 consecutive flights for energy project
London, United Kingdom, Thursday, 26th July 2018 — ANTONOV Airlines has successfully completed the 12th in the longest succession of AN-225 flights in the aircraft’s commercial operating history.
The Ukrainian airline delivered twelve Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) Modules, each weighing 160 tonnes, for Hansa Meyer Global Transport GmbH & Co in twelve consecutive flights from Chile to Bolivia.
“The initial configuration of the cargo did not allow its loading on the aircraft, and as a result the lifting points were reworked,” said Andriy Blagovisniy, Commercial Director, ANTONOV Airlines.
“The amended design, which featured bolted joints, allowed us to remove the lifting points from the cargoes when they were installed on the loading ramp, which in turn reduced the cargoes’ height.
“Upon arriving at the destination, we pulled the cargoes out to the loading ramp, and the specialists on-site reinstalled the lifting points on their initial positions, tying them with bolts for subsequent lifting and offloading using external cranes.
“A special low-profile loading system designed by ANTONOV Company specialists was used to handle the large height of the cargo.”
The weight distribution of the single-piece cargo on the aircraft floor initially exceeded maximum permitted values for the AN-225, the world’s largest aircraft.
“Special damping panels and reverse bend technology were introduced to tackle the weight distribution of the cargo,” added Blagovisniy.
“Our flight crew received special training that took into account the design features of the cargo, to meet the maximum permitted g-forces during takeoff, in flight, and landing.”
ANTONOV Airlines secured the cargo inside the aircraft with a special lashing pattern, developed specifically for the project that allowed for welding of a calculated number of lashing points and special winching points for the cables of the aircraft winches.
“As Chimore Airport does not have provisions for night time operations and flights, the entire process, including the unloading of the cargo and the departure of the aircraft, had to be completed strictly during daylight hours,” said Blagovisniy.
Additional equipment for aircraft servicing and cargo unloading, including a ground power unit and a forklift, had to be delivered in Chimore, Bolivia.
ANTONOV Airlines transported its own towing tractor from Gostomel Airport in Kyiv, Ukraine to Chile to ensure suitable aircraft towing throughout the twelve flights as there was no tractor with the required power available at Iquique Airport.
“This project saw the highest level of expertise and coordination between personnel of all partners participating in the AN-225 operation and unloading of the aircraft, allowing flights to keep to our tight schedules,” said Blagovisniy.
“All parties involved in this multinational project have gained invaluable experience in providing logistics solutions using the AN-225, laying the groundwork for fruitful cooperation in the future.”
ANTONOV Airlines operates a fleet of seven AN-124–100 aircraft, with up to 150 tonnes payload, a 60-tonne payload AN-22, the world’s largest turboprop-powered aircraft, and its unique 250-tonne payload AN-225, the largest aircraft in the world, as well as smaller AN-74 and AN-26 aircraft.
ENDS
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ABOUT ANTONOV AIRLINES
ANTONOV Airlines specialises in the transport of outsized and project cargo worldwide using its fleet of seven AN-124–100 “Ruslan” aircraft with up to 150 tonnes payload, its 60-tonne payload AN-22, and its unique 250-tonne payload AN-225 “Mriya”, which is the largest aircraft in the world, as well as smaller AN-74 and AN-26 aircraft.
More than 29 years after launching as the first company to offer the AN-124–100 commercially, ANTONOV Airlines continues to deliver air cargo solutions across the aerospace, defence, energy, humanitarian, industrial, automotive, and oil and gas sectors.
ANTONOV Airlines is a division of ANTONOV Company, headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine, and a Ukrainian state-owned enterprise, which designs, develops, produces and maintains the AN aircraft.
The UK office of ANTONOV Airlines is based at Diamond Hangar, London Stansted Airport. The USA office of ANTONOV Airlines is based at Houston, Texas.
Western Associates, Inc., Air Cargo Partners Worldwide (ACP), and Flywell Aviation are ANTONOV Airlines’ General Sales Agents (GSA) for Japan, Australia, and India respectively.
To find out more, visit antonov-airlines.com
ABOUT HANSA MEYER GLOBAL TRANSPORT GMBH & CO
Hansa Meyer Global has been a successfully operating project freight forwarding company and logistics expert for decades.
Being transport architects, we arrange shipments of oversized and heavyweight goods. Our multiple projects demonstrate our reliability and high-quality standards. Our international subsidiaries guarantee thorough understanding and knowledge of local infrastructure and market conditions.
Hansa Meyer Global Group is represented worldwide with 230 employees in 2016 offices at the strategically important venues of the world. The annual turnover of the Group is much more than € 140 million.
To find out more, visit hansameyer.com
