Ukraine: Antonov Company announces that its Antonov An-124-100 joint venture company, Ruslan International, formed in 2006 together with Volga-Dnepr Airlines, will cease operations on 31 December, 2016.

Throughout its decade-long existence, Ruslan International has consistently demonstrated a combined expertise in the outsize and heavyweight cargo market. Antonov Company would like to thank Volga-Dnepr Airlines for contributing to this partnership, which has served the global ‘Ruslan’ customer base so efficiently for the past ten years.

At the same time, it is pleased to introduce its Antonov Airlines team in the UK which will take the lead in the global sales and operations of this unique cargo aircraft.

Dreamlifts Ltd (trading as Antonov Airlines) is managed by an international group of well-known experts from the outsize and heavyweight cargo industry. With decades of experience between them, Antonov Company expects a seamless transition for its customers in the global supply chain and a continuation of its flexible and highly personal service.

In 2016 Antonov Company celebrates the 110th anniversary of the birth of Oleg Antonov, its founding father and leader in the design the An-124 Ruslan – the world’s largest production aircraft.  The company, which proudly bears Antonov's name, introduced the world to the commercial advantages of the An-124 Ruslan 27 years ago.  Antonov currently operates a fleet of seven An-124s including the AN-124-100M-150 with a payload of up to 150 tonnes. It also operates the unique capability An-225 Mriya with a 250 tonne payload and the world’s largest turboprop, the An-22 Antei.

Says Oleksandr Kotsiuba, President of Antonov Company: "Antonov Airlines’ activities are supported by Antonov Company’s in-house design and development capabilities providing unrivalled expertise for the most challenging logistic projects. As the maintenance authority and life extension authority, we will continue to offer these proven and reliable airframes to the market for many years to come. We look forward to working with the experienced and exciting team in the UK, and can see a bright future going forward with our customers".