Antonov Airlines drafted its AN-124 to complete an urgent order to carry a 54-tonne rotor, used in power generation, from Ghana to India for repairs and back to Ghana in good condition.

Forwarder Rhenus Project Logistics USA, which specialises in heavy-duty transport services, chartered the flight to carry the 10.50m x 3.89m x 4.13m rotor from Accra in Ghana to Mumbai in India, including the return trip.

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The Ukrainian carrier said it used loading equipment designed by its in-house engineering team, whilst the external cranes for loading and unloading at airport were arranged by Rhenus Project Logistics. The airline also noted that it developed the technical instructions, whilst the freight forwarder assisted the client in redesigning the skid to ensure the bladed rotor fitted inside the fuselage.

“This transport operation required well-coordinated preparation and actions from both partners to fly such outsized and heavy cargo safely,” said Vladyslav Ishchuk, commercial executive at Antonov Airlines.

“Antonov Airlines showcased its flexibility by providing the AN-124 aircraft on the required dates during an extremely busy period for the customer to minimise any disruption that could have been faced,” he added.

The forwarder and carrier have been involved in multiple charters for mutual clients for over 15 years as members of The Heavy Lift Group.