The Antonov An-124 at Kelowna International Airport - YLW
Kelowna Airport welcomed one of the world’s largest aircraft, the Antonov AN-124, on Saturday September 26, 2009 at 7:12 a.m.
The Antonov AN-124, arriving after a 12 hour non stop flight from Kazan, Russia to Kelowna, delivered three helicopters to Kelowna Flightcraft for maintenance and modification services.
Accommodating the Antonov at Kelowna airport was made possible because of the runway extension from 7300 feet to 8900 feet in November 2008. “The arrival of the Antonov is a great opportunity for YLW to attract other long haul flights for commercial passenger and cargo flights and for very specialized aviation maintenance work by companies such as Kelowna Flightcraft and AVM Solutions Inc.,” says Sam Samaddar Airport Director.
Avionics Modification Solutions (AVM) Bob Monaghan, President and CEO states, “YLW may see one or two AN-124 operations a year for similar helicopter deliveries”.
The Antonov AN-124 is the largest aircraft to land at Kelowna International.
Antonov AN-124 facts:
|
|
- Freight Volume over 1000 cubic meters (30,000 cubic feet)
|
|
|
- Freight Capacity 330,000 lbs
|
|
|
- Range to 8000 nautical miles empty, 2300 mautical miles fully loaded
|
|
|
- Max Cruising Speed 430 Knots (490 mph)
|
- Prior to departure from YLW to Kansas City at 11:20 p.m. Sept. 26 the Antonov took 75,000 gallons of fuel
|