Antonov Airlines and Rhenus Projects Logistics USA completed the urgent transport from Ghana to India of a 54-tonne rotor used to generate power requiring immediate repairs. Fellow members of The Heavy Lift Group (THLG), Rhenus Project Logistics USA, chartered the flight to carry the 10.50 m long, 3.89 m wide, 4.13 m high rotor from Accra, Ghana, to Mumbai, India, and back. Antonov Airlines used loading equipment designed by its in-house engineering team, while the external cranes for loading and unloading at airport were arranged by Rhenus Project Logistics USA to ensure the highest levels of safety for the teams and cargo. Antonov Airlines developed technical instructions and Rhenus Project Logistics USA assisted the client in redesigning the skid to ensure the bladed rotor fitted inside the fuselage. “This transport operation required well-coordinated preparation and actions from both partners to fly such outsized and heavy cargo safely,” said Vladyslav Ishchuk, Commercial Executive, Antonov Airlines.
“Antonov Airlines showcased its flexibility by providing the AN-124 aircraft on the required dates during an extremely busy period for the customer to minimise any disruption that could have been faced.”
“Rhenus Project Logistics USA and Antonov Airlines have an association going back over 15 years, which has involved multiple charter performances for mutual clients and is a testimony to the strength and expertise members of THLG bring to their clients,” said Ritesh Nair, Global Sales Director at Rhenus Project Logistics USA.