Antonov Airlines recently transported a power plant rotor from Atlanta, Georgia, USA to Nagoya, Japan using one of its An-124-100M aircraft. The transatlantic journey took three days, including two technical stops in Calgary, Canada and Anchorage, USA. This was the only viable option for delivering the cargo to its destination within the required timeframe.

The rotor, weighing about 53,000 kilograms, was transported in the specific frame that was manufactured especially for this mission. To load the heavy single piece from the truck into the An-124-100M, a ramp was used, designed, and manufactured by Antonov`s in-house engineers, in conjunction with an external crane. Once the rotor was safely aboard, the technical crew dismantled the ramp and loaded it into the plane to be used again to unload the cargo at its destination.

After being repaired in the USA the rotor was ready to be transported to its destination. The power plant rotor was urgently needed before the beginning of the winter season in Japan when electricity consumption is intense, and airfreight is the faster way to deliver goods in a short time.

“Although it was an urgent shipment, the ANTONOV Airlines understood the importance of this mission and really responded promptly. ANTONOV is a specialist with a wealth of experience in air transportation of large cargo, we have high expectations for the future,” said Toshioki Majima, Cargo Sales Manager, Western Associates.