Antonov Airlines Increases Airlift Capacities

     Antonov Airlines, air transport subdivision of ANTONOV ASTC, came to the end of 2003 with good results of its activity. During the past year, its crews and aeroplanes conducted 1127 flights (51% growth in comparison with 2002), delivered 55850 t of cargoes (almost 27% growth), total flights' duration became 13573 hours (almost 35% growth). At that, these results were achieved under conditions when one of the airlines' Ruslans became a hostage in court examination of parts ANTONOV ASTC had no direct relations with. This aircraft was arrested in Canada at the end of June 2003 and did not take part in airlift operations till the end of the year. In spite of reduction of the aircraft fleet being in operation, Antonov Airlines could essentially surpass results of the previous year. The company has achieved increase the efficiency of the available resources.

     In particular, it became possible to operate the AN-225 Mriya aircraft of the biggest cargo capacity in the world more intensive. For the first time the airlifter performed flight by new plan on September 9. During 29 days the aircraft had conducted 41-flight program of 170 hours total duration. The unique airlifter carried oversized industrial equipment from New York and Houston (USA) to Basra (Iraq), as well as a property of Italian peacemaking forces contingent in Afghanistan from Kabul to Rome. A weight of cargoes, carried in course of these flights, varied from 80 to 193 tons. After that the aircraft performed new enlarged flights and delivered about 1638 tons within 270 flight hours.

     During almost all mentioned above flights Mriya lifted a cargo that could be carried using two Ruslan aircraft under the same conditions. Such unique Mriya's capabilities were the most effectively demonstrated in Kabul situated at the height of almost 2 km above sea level. As far as economic effectiveness is concerned, the AN-225 airlifter surpassed the

     AN-124-100 aircraft although the cargoes delivered to Kabul were not unique ones. There were ordinary lorries, trailers and containers. Much more extraordinary were the cargoes delivered from New York to Basra - 96-tons trailers with power equipment. Mriya could accommodate two such trailers, but Ruslan would be able to accommodate one trailer only. So the AN-225 found its niche at constantly growing cargo airlift market. In due course a popularity of the aircraft will inevitably grow because it can operate with cargoes which are beyond capabilities of other transports of the world. ANTONOV Airlines' banner is rightfully inscribed with a slogan "No other name carries more weight!"