8/4/2005 - Loading the Antonov AN-124-100 at Birmingham International
Visible from miles away, the huge Russian Antonov Cargo plane parked along side runway 18/36 at the BHM International Airport does draw attention. It is a rare treat to see the nose and tail loading compartments open. Usually only staying a day, the 120 Ton payload plane keeps a busy schedule. Reportedly on the way to Alaska with a load of generators, it is scheduled to fly out this morning. When fully loaded, it will take most of the entire 10,000 ft runway.
Operating in the air cargo transportation market for the last fifteen years Polet Cargo Airlines has come a long way from an aircraft leasing partnership to one of the major aviation companies, which owns and operates eight of the unique AN-124-100 aircraft. Some of the more unique missions include: an entire Lockheed Martin EP-3 aircraft, a 48-ton Christmas tree headed for Houston, and an ESA Smart Satellite.
The company Headquarters is located in Moscow and Voronezh Russia, its sales and marketing operation is based in Limassol Cyprus and its aircraft are based and maintained in Ulayanovsk Russia.To keep up with rivals and remain the best in the market requires a strong team committed to the highest standards of service. Today Polet is known worldwide for having such a team.
Polet opened an office in New York in 2002 as part of an effort to introduce the North American market to the unique capabilities of the Antonov 124 aircraft, while its aircraft are based and maintained in Ulyanovsk, Russia.
Oleg Antonov, the eminent aircraft designer, founded ANTONOV Aeronautical Scientific/Technical Complex (ASTC) in 1946. -Staff Report
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