The world’s biggest cargo plane took flight from Melbourne Orlando International Airport shortly before 10:25 a.m. Monday, June 29, wrapping up an overnight visit that went viral on social media across Florida’s Space Coast.
The Antonov AN-124 plane had flown from Germany to the Melbourne airport during lunchtime Sunday, June 28, to pick up an undisclosed aerospace payload for delivery to the Pacific Northwest, per airport officials.
Photographers and spectators lined both sides of Apollo Boulevard to witness the huge aircraft’s arrival. The Melbourne airport had last hosted an Antonov AN-124 in March 2024, more than two years ago.
Airport officials ask community members to share photos and videos on MLB’s Facebook page.
The Ukrainian carrier Antonov Airlines operates the plane. Sheltair managed its mission — the Apollo Boulevard fixed-base operator also handled the aircraft’s previous visits. The company marshalled in the plane and provided ground-support hookups; fueled the aircraft; managed the 20-member Ukrainian aircrew’s U.S. customs, hotel accommodations and breakfasts; and loaded the cargo.
For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly 321 Launch space newsletter.
Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY, where he has covered news since 2004. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1
Space is important to us, and that’s why we’re working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: World’s mightiest cargo plane departs Melbourne airport for Pacific Northwest
Reporting by Rick Neale, Florida Today / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Rick Neale, Florida Today | USA TODAY Network
