Antonov Airlines Boosts Revenue, Fleet

Antonov Airlines, the air transportation division of Antonov Co., reported a 42 percent increase in revenue through May, with aerospace being a key sector, as it works with western suppliers on a fleet modernization program.

The Ukranian airline credits its growth to a strategic partnership with Dreamlifts Ltd., and establishing its UK headquarters at London Stansted Airport.

Dreamlifts is managed by an experienced international group that has transitioned Antonov customers in the global supply chain.

The heavy-lift and super-heavy-lift operator is working with Western suppliers for its fleet modernization program, including increasing the payload of two of its AN-124 airframes from 120 to 150 tonnes, and eventually expand across the remaining five airframes.

Under the open-skies agreement between Ukraine and the U.S., Antonov Airlines is the only AN-124 operator with a blanket exemption for unlimited flights to and from the U.S. The agreement allows Antonov Airlines to carry any type of cargo to or from the U.S. with only a few hours’ notice without the need to obtain U.S. Department of Transport statements of authorization.

Antonov Airlines operates a fleet of seven AN-124-100 Ruslan aircraft with up to 150 tonnes payload, its 60-tonne payload AN-22, the world’s largest turboprop-powered aircraft, and the 250-tonne payload AN-225 Mriya, the largest aircraft in the world, as well as smaller AN-74 and AN-26 aircraft.