NATO to lease 2 An-124-100 airlifters from Ukraine

The An-124 contract had been signed in the framework of Strategic Airlift Interim Solution program

NATO has given Antonov a three year contract to lease two An-124-100 cargo planes under the Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS) program.

Actually the contract signed in the framework of SALIS has been extended for three years, to Dec. 31, 2021.

“In accordance with contractual obligations, from January 1st, 2019, GP Antonov provides two An-124-100 Ruslan aircraft on an ongoing basis to perform air transport for the participants of the SALIS program,” stated Antonov’s press service.

GP Antonov is the leading Ukrainian developer and manufacturer of aircraft technology. Starting in 2015, based on the government’s decision, it is a part of the state concern Ukroboronprom.

The An-124 Ruslan, the world’s biggest serial production aircraft, was first manufactured over 30 years ago for the long-range transportation of super heavy and oversize cargo.

In 1992, the civil modification of the An-124-100 received its Airworthiness Certificate from the Interstate Aviation Committee and subsequently created a whole new sector in the global air cargo and logistics industry for the commercial transportation of heavyweight and outsize air cargo.

Today, the An-124 is recognized as the leading aircraft in its specialist field of operation, providing fast and reliable logistics services for customers in such industry sectors as heavy engineering, oil and gas, automotive and aerospace. It also serves the requirements of international humanitarian aid agencies and governments all over the world.

Photo credit: Master Sgt. Keith Brown / U.S. Air Force