The world's largest freighter Antonov AN-225 is to make regular connection to Bahrain operated by Turk Heavy Transport, the second Gulf agent of the strategic airlift cargo aircraft designed for heavy lift.
The aircraft, built in the 1980s by Ukraine's Antonov Design Bureau, is capable of holding single pieces weighing up to 200 tons such as trains, heavy industrial equipment, military vehicles and commercial aircraft.
According to Turk Heavy Transport's Jamal Abdulaziz Al Baluchi, the aircraft that weighs the equivalent of 220 average sized cars has a market in Bahrain catering to larger industries like oil companies Alba and Bapco and to support the market for delivery of luxury yachts.
"This aircraft is so versatile that it can carry almost anything and quickly," said the airline's business development manager, following on from the first carrier of AN-225 in the UAE region of Abu Dhabi-based Maximus Air Cargo.
In the past the plane has been used to transport military helicopters into war zone countries and it costs around US$2 million. It can even carry commercial airplane such as the Boeing 737 by removing wings or at least 250 tonnes worth of goods.
Said Mr Abdulazis: "We still need to work out a deal with suppliers but within about a year I believe that will be set to receive the Antonov."
Extension of current runway, or an alternative runway at Bahrain International Airport is needed to accommodate the $600 million aircraft more frequently and support demand for a country developing industrially, said Turk Group partner and director Khalid Turk, cited a report from TradeArabia News Service.
"In the next three to four years we are expecting several major industrial projects to come up; therefore there will be an influx of imported material and cargo," he added, and the turnaround of heavy-lift industrial equipment could make the difference to waiting on delivery by ship with a four-week turnaround.
For example if a ship repair yard needs a heavy duty engine then it can be transported overnight or a refinery may require equipment urgently which would see the Antonov provide speedy delivery, according to the Shipping Gazette.
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