The unique Antonov AN-225 - the world’s largest aircraft - has once again proven its vital role in air transportation, with the carriage of a huge heat exchanger weighing 139 tonnes from Germany to Canada. The equipment which, with its specially-constructed load cradle and associated handling equipment weighed a total of 147 tonnes, was much too heavy for any other aircraft. The load was flown from Leipzig to Edmonton via Keflavik (Iceland) and Goose Bay: a total distance of 8,400 km. The charterer was the Karpeles Flight Services GmbH charter arm of DB Schenker. The flight was arranged, managed and operated by Antonov Airlines. Says Antonov Airlines’ Commercial Executive Andriy Blagovisniy:  “When a really large load such as this needs urgent transportation, the unique AN-225 Mirya really comes into its own – providing an attractive alternative to long and time-consuming ocean voyages and long, highly complex road haulage operations.” About the AN-225: The AN-225 was originally designed by Antonov Design Bureau for the Soviet space program to airlift the Buran space shuttle and the Energia rocket's boosters. It first flew on 21 December 1988. Two aircraft were ordered, but only one An-225 was actually completed. The sole AN-225 is now operated by Antonov Airlines, and is commercially available for carrying ultra-heavy and oversize freight, up to 250,000 kg. It can accommodate single pieces up to 210,000 kg. The An-225 has established a reputation for transporting objects once thought impossible to move by air, such as locomotives and 150-tonne generators, and has taken part in numerous humanitarian relief programmes. On 11 August 2009, the heaviest single cargo item ever sent via air freight was loaded onto the Antonov An-225. At 16.23 metres (53.2 ft) long and 4.27 metres (14.0 ft) wide, the consignment – a generator for a gas power plant in Armenia and its loading frame – weighed in at a record 187,600 kg.