Ukraine-owned Antonov’s air transport subdivision known as Antonov Airlines has recently ensured timely repairs of an 82-ton tail shaft for Elite Aviation. The company transported the unit packed in a cradle from Sharjah, UAE to Billund, Denmark and back, with the the project becoming one of the most challenging transportations this year.

“It was a real challenge for consignee and Antonov as well as for airport`s services team,” said Andriy Nazarenko, Flight Manager, Antonov Airlines, “Loading of cargo required operation on the maximum allowed crane boom lifting height”.

“Extremely hot season and 90 tons payload required departure at the lowest possible temperature in the night,” added Dmytro Prosvirin, Head of Commercial Bereau, Antonov Airlines, ”Despite all the challenges, the shaft was successfully delivered to Billund for repairs and after repairs it was successfully transported back to Sharjah, UAE.

“It was a challenging project and especially at Sharjah airport loading/offloading operations need to be finished during daylight as night operation was not allowed. So, all teams (crew and handler) involved needed to make sure that no mistakes happens to make it smooth and successful,” says Eric Philip from Elite Aviation who was on ground supervising the operations.

Antonov’s air fleet continues to fly worldwide. The services responsible for planning the transportation and maintenance of aircraft have been temporarily relocated to Leipzig, Germany, that allows Antonov to ensure the further safe operation of five AN-124-100(150) airplanes.