An-124 cleared for Australian ops

An Antonov An-124 at Canberra in November 2006. (Paul Sadler)

Ruslan International’s fleet of 17 Antonov An-124 commercial airlifters operated by Antonov Airlines and Volga Dnepr Airlines have been cleared by the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transportation to operate from Australian airports.

The clearance comes after Ruslan was able to provide certification that the aircraft meet ICAO Chapter 3 noise standards.

“Throughout the period during which the requirement applied to our aircraft, we were always hopeful that our flights would be allowed to operate – given their irregular nature, and the fact that there is generally no alternative aircraft for the outsize project cargoes we carry,” Ruslan International’s business development manager, Michael Goodisman, said in a statement. “However, we are very pleased with this new development. It allows both Ruslan International and our customers to plan future flights within Australian airspace with confidence.”

Previously, Ruslan was required to apply for exemptions and provide letters of support from charter clients, including the ADF, that the services were in the public interest in order to be able to operate the An-124 in Australia.