World’s Largest Cargo Plane Enlisted in Asian Tsunami Relief Effort

Relief efforts for the Asian Tsunami, which has claimed more than 200,000 lives, received a major boost with the mobilization of the Antonov 124 – the world’s largest cargo plane, capable of transporting 150 tons of emergency medical, food and water supplies.

Air Charter International (ACI), a leading Middle East aircraft charter and leasing company, confirmed that the plane was on route to the disaster area just 12 hours after the killer waves hit 12 countries.

“Within hours of the tragedy we were receiving calls from regional and international non-governmental organizations to provide aircraft to assist in the relief effort,” said Stuart Wheeler, chief executive officer, ACI, who arranged a series of Antonov 124 flights.

“Almost four weeks on and we continue to support the aid operation, with a mix of cargo aircraft and helicopters to move supplies to inaccessible areas. We are able to do this because our team has a global reach to the world’s most diverse and unique special purpose aircraft and professional aviation personnel.”

The Russian built Antonov 124 is 69.1 metres long and has a wingspan of 73.3 metres. It features both a rear loading ramp and a nose door that swings open upwards. Its unique loading capabilities combined with its size and heavy payload make it ideal for transporting heavy equipment and large amounts of emergency supplies.

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To date, ACI has helped more than 700 tons of lifesaving provisions reach the worst hit areas, including Banda Aceh in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India. The Antonov 124 has been flying non-stop missions ever since the disaster on December 26, delivering 500 tons of emergency provisions alone.

In the days immediately following the disaster, ACI’s team who work 24 hours a day 7 days a week, arranged for Antonov 12s, Boeing 747 and Airbus freighters to be chartered by several leading aid agencies. They also positioned helicopters into the region to help airlift supplies and key relief personnel to the most remote areas.

“Such a major international crisis required an overwhelming response, and I am proud of the professionalism and dedication of our staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure every request for assistance is met as quickly as possible,” added Wheeler.

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