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Antonov Gears up for Global Expansion
[ May 10, 2017 // Gary G Burrows ]ANTONOV Airlines will establish a presence in USA and Hong Kong as part of ongoing expansion plans.
The Kyiv, Ukraine-headquartered carrier recently established a new office at London Stansted Airport in the UK, and has appointed a General Sales Agent in Japan and Australia.
“We are excited to be growing our presence globally in some of the world’s most dynamic economies,” said Oleg Orlov, Vice President, ANTONOV Company.
“Ukraine has developed excellent links with the USA as a result of an Open Skies Agreement, that has granted ANTONOV freedom to operate to and from the USA without the need to obtain U.S. Department of Transport (DoT) statements of authorization.”
ANTONOV also announced that it is working with Ukrainian and western suppliers for its fleet modernization program.
ANTONOV Airlines operates a fleet of seven AN-124 freighters, with a payload of up to 150 tonnes, as well as the biggest aircraft in the world, the AN-225, with a payload of 250 tonnes.
The heavy and super-heavy lift specialist has engaged with new suppliers for its fleet modernization program.
ANTONOV has introduced Dunlop tyres to a number of its airframes including its AN-124 and AN-225 fleet. The new tyres enable the AN-124-100M-150 aircraft to operate at their designed maximum payload of 150 tonnes, and have a much improved lifespan, leading to lower tyre cost per landing.
ANTONOV is also working with US Honeywell for its avionics, Pratt & Whitney, Dowty Propellers, and Zodiac Aerospace in addition to other western suppliers.
“Our AN-124s will be flying for the next quarter of a century and we are making sure they are at the cutting edge of aviation technology and design,” said Graham Witton, Managing Director, ANTONOV Airlines (UK).
“We are working with some of the most respected suppliers in the world for the modernisation of our fleet.
“As the design bureau, ANTONOV Company is the only company that can make amendments to the AN aircraft.”
Orlov also commented on ANTONOV’s competitive edge.
“We design, manufacture, and operate our own fleet,” he said.
Tags: Antonov Airlines