Logenix International, a leading international logistics specialist, serving US Government and contractors worldwide

World's Largest Aircraft in Houston

The largest and heaviest aircraft in the world, the Russian Freighter Antonov 225 Mriya (AN225) made its first-ever stop in Houston today at Bush Intercontinental Airport?s (IAH) new multi-million-dollar air cargo complex which opened earlier this year. The AN225 was chartered by Logenix International on behalf of Readiness Management Support (RMS), LLC to move cargo for the US Air Force under its Air Force Contract Augmentation Program (AFCAP) contract. The cargo transported will be used to support billeting, dining, and office space for the US Air Force. While in Houston, Antonov Airlines officials also want to raise interest with potential users and are exploring potential cargo commerce with Houston-area businesses. "IAH's new CargoCenter is a state-of-the-art facility capable of handling any size aircraft and any size air cargo efficiently, say IAH Cargo Specialist Andres Prieto. " This opens new international trade possibilities for Houston-area businesses." While the AN225 was loading at IAH CargoCenter, several other simultaneous cargo operations were taking place, including an Antonov 124. Prior to the opening of the new CargoCenter, limited ramp space made it difficult to conduct simultaneous large scale cargo operations.

The AN 225 can transport outsize or lengthy cargo to any point on the globe. The AN 225 was developed to transport the Soviet Union's space shuttle - the Buran. It is an enlarged Antonov An-124 with wing root inserts supporting two further engines, and a twin tail assembly to cater for the Buran and other outside loads carried. The aircraft length is 276 feet, wingspan is 290 feet (nearly the size of a football field) and aircraft height is 59 feet 5 inches. The cargo cabin is 21 feet wide, 14.5 feet high and 141 feet long and can carry a maximum weight of 250 tons.