Among the most appropriate aircraft for transporting aid & relief is the Antonov aircraft family. Comprised of aircraft such as the AN-12 and AN-124, Antonov aircraft are known for their self-handling abilities and the presence of an integrated crane onboard that supports a quick transaction of heavy or bulky relief goods. Being able to facilitate cargo transport operations in areas where airport infrastructure has been affected by a natural disaster or other urgent circumstances can be quite critical, especially in remote regions of the world.
Aid and relief deliveries to affected areas, remote regions, and badly developed locales benefit from the high-mounted wings of the Antonov cargo aircraft which allow it to operate on unpaved runways.
The airlines that operate Antonov aircraft also have their very own loading and offloading equipment and crew, therefore, there are no issues when considering special flight times.
Learn more about the most commonly used Antonov aircraft chartered by our expert Cargo team below.
Antonov AN-12
Cargo type: Medium volume: relief supplies up to 18 tons like water, food, medical equipment, medication, surviving kits, protective suits, blankets, food, respirators, and anti-radiation medication, etc.
Range: max 2100 km
Max. volume (CBM): 90
Max. payload (t): 18
Door w x h (cm): 300 x 250
Cargo hold l x w x h (cm): 1382 x 295 x 260
The Antonov AN-12 is a medium-range cargo aircraft with a maximum load of 18 tons. This aircraft is usually selected due to the ramp-loading facility which allows easy access of cargo and off-loading using only forklifts. This ensures a quick turnaround in a country inundated with conflict. The aircraft is also suitable to fly to remote areas with short runways.
Example: Air Partner arranged cargo charter flights with the AN-12 aircraft to deliver much-needed medical supplies to two airports in Eastern Libya during the political unrest in 2015. The challenges faced included securing landing permissions and ensuring that the aircraft was adequately insured and prepared for operations in dangerous and volatile regions. Due to the extensive experience of our Cargo team, all flights were operated successfully and on time.
Antonov AN-124
Cargo type: Heavy, high, and large volume: big amounts of relief goods on pallets up to 120 tons like vehicles, portable hospitals, medical treatment facilities like ambulances, tents, generators, etc.
Range: max 4650 km
Max. volume (CBM): 1050
Max. payload (t): 120
Door w x h (cm): 640 x 440
Cargo hold l x w x h (cm): 3650 x 640 x 440
The Antonov AN-124 remains one of the largest transport aircraft in the world. Its integrated 30-ton capacity crane onboard allows seamless loading of extremely heavy and outsized cargo. Its high-mounted wings allow it to operate on unpaved runways.
Examples: When Hurricane Irma and Maria stormed the Caribbean in 2017, our freight team delivered essential cargo – such as generators, four-wheel drive vehicles, bottled water, and humanitarian aid in an AN-124 to Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Guadeloupe.
The team also chartered two AN-124 to deliver urgent relief supplies, such as water and meals ready to eat (MRE) to Guam in summer 2018 to prepare for Super Typhoon Mangkhut. This aircraft type has been chosen also to fly a wide array of supplies, equipment, vehicles, and tools on several flights to Saipan to help rebuild the island after Typhoon Yutu in late October.
The Air Partner Cargo team is experienced with all types of cargo charter requests, especially complex and time-critical arrangements globally. are available 24/7 for any immediate and time-critical air charter requests. For more information about our humanitarian aid cargo services, contact us.
