newstodate.aero
SEP 16, 2004 (newstodate): Given the final go-ahead for the project, work will start on building the second Antonov AN-225 Mriya (Dream) at the plant in Kiev.
-We are today the operator of the world's only AN-225 aircraft, and we see it as a unique chance to add a second aircraft to our fleet, says Vince Seeger, Air Foyle HeavyLift VP sales.
According to Mr Seeger, parts for the second AN-225 were ready for assembly as the project was stalled during the break-down of the Soviet Union.
-As the parts and structural components are at hand, all that is needed is to put them together into a new aircraft that will be ready some 18 months after the order is placed and accepted, says Mr Seeger.
Mr Seeger says the AN-225 now operating has accumulated some 2,500 flight hours during its three years of commercial operations with Antonov Airlines/ Air Foyle.
The aircraft is currently flying about two hours per day on an average.
-Operations mostly support project operations, generating many empty legs. But we do seek to in cargo for return flights, and we have lifted computers and other shipments from Asia back to Europe which easily generates income to balance the economic viability of operations, he says.
Mr Seeger says procurement costs for the second AN-225 will be around 40-50 million US dollars.
-We are today the operator of the world's only AN-225 aircraft, and we see it as a unique chance to add a second aircraft to our fleet, says Vince Seeger, Air Foyle HeavyLift VP sales.
According to Mr Seeger, parts for the second AN-225 were ready for assembly as the project was stalled during the break-down of the Soviet Union.
-As the parts and structural components are at hand, all that is needed is to put them together into a new aircraft that will be ready some 18 months after the order is placed and accepted, says Mr Seeger.
Mr Seeger says the AN-225 now operating has accumulated some 2,500 flight hours during its three years of commercial operations with Antonov Airlines/ Air Foyle.
The aircraft is currently flying about two hours per day on an average.
-Operations mostly support project operations, generating many empty legs. But we do seek to in cargo for return flights, and we have lifted computers and other shipments from Asia back to Europe which easily generates income to balance the economic viability of operations, he says.
Mr Seeger says procurement costs for the second AN-225 will be around 40-50 million US dollars.