The Day the World’s Largest Aircraft Came to Yorkshire

The world’s largest operational aircraft, ANTONOV AN225 MRYIA, flew into Doncaster Sheffield Airport yesterday (16 February) on an operational cargo mission. Only one AN225 MRYIA (Dream) was ever built by the company ANTONOV and this giant of the skies, operated by specialist Antonov Airlines, Ukraine, landed in Doncaster to collect a generator which is urgently needed at a Power Station in Lahore, Pakistan. The 70 tonne generator was supplied by Rugby based Coverteam Ltd, and was first transported by road to Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Paul Rodwell, Cargo Director from Peel Airports Group said: “The arrival of this magnificent aircraft reflects growing confidence for Doncaster Sheffield Airport as one of the UK’s leading freighter airports” “The AN225 is the largest cargo freighter in the world and we are absolutely thrilled that it was able to land here in Yorkshire, which is a first for the region.” “The airlines decision to operate to Doncaster Sheffield Airport show cases the airports ability to handle this type of oversized cargo. Our 3000m runway and our growing reputation will have certainly been factors in bringing the AN225 to Doncaster/Sheffield. The AN225, which operates with a crew of 20 was the only available large freighter with the payload capacity to lift this size and weight of cargo in time for an urgent deadline in Pakistan. “We have been working closely with Nordic Air Charters who have arranged this charter flight on behalf of Wartsila in Finland.” Nordic Air Charters have worked with Juhani Peltonen OY Freightgate to arrange this charter flight. This latest cargo arrival follows a busy week for the team based at Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Last week a Boeing 747-400 flew into the airport with Lady Ga Ga’s stage equipment for her forthcoming UK tour which starts in Sheffield. This was followed by the arrival of 13 lions from Romania as part of a rescue mission in partnership with the Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Jet2.com.