AN-225 visits EMA
The world's largest commercially available aircraft - the mighty Antonov AN-225 - visited EMA in late October. The aircraft arrived on the 23rd from Canada and stayed at EMA over the weekend before departing empty to its home base of Gostomel in the Ukraine on the 27th.
With a wingspan of 88.4 metres and a length of 84 metres, the aircraft is larger than the Airbus A380 and is only surpassed in size by Howard Hughes's 'Spruce Goose'. Capable of carrying up to 250 tonnes of cargo with a maximum take-off weight of 640 tonnes, the six engined aircraft is truly huge.
East Midlands Airport was proud and delighted to host the 4th visit of the aircraft to the airport - with previous visits in November 2005, October 2006 and November 2007. This weekends visit was the first in its sparkling new colour scheme - see below.
The flight was handled by Aviation Solutions / DHL.
The visit attracted extensive interest from the media and the public, especially on departure day, and we all look forward to seeing the aircraft back at EMA soon.