The one and only...
This week's Saturday Timewatch goes back exactly 13 years to a foul but wonderful morning at Manchester Airport for the departure of the one and only Antonov AN-225.
After a 5 day stay and lots of false rumours, the aircraft finally left for Tripoli, Libya en route to Lagos, Nigeria. The cargo was the stage and sound equipment for a concert that was part of Nigeria's Independence anniversary celebrations on October 7 and 8, 2006. Among those performing were Snoop Dogg, Beyonce, JayZ and numerous African-based artists.
UR-82060 is still airworthy as far as I know but doesn't seem to have had that much business of late. I suspect tension between Russia and the Ukraine may be behind the lack of current work. A second AN-225, remains in Kiev c70% built, but has never flown.
The one and only...
This week's Saturday Timewatch goes back exactly 13 years to a foul but wonderful morning at Manchester Airport for the departure of the one and only Antonov AN-225.
After a 5 day stay and lots of false rumours, the aircraft finally left for Tripoli, Libya en route to Lagos, Nigeria. The cargo was the stage and sound equipment for a concert that was part of Nigeria's Independence anniversary celebrations on October 7 and 8, 2006. Among those performing were Snoop Dogg, Beyonce, JayZ and numerous African-based artists.
UR-82060 is still airworthy as far as I know but doesn't seem to have had that much business of late. I suspect tension between Russia and the Ukraine may be behind the lack of current work. A second AN-225, remains in Kiev c70% built, but has never flown.