Air Partner charters the giant Antonov 225 to fly aid to Japan

March 28, 2011 - PRLog -- The Air Partner Emergency Planning team members spent the weekend finalising the logistics following confirmation of the flight last Friday, and were on-site during loading to ensure a smooth and timely operation. The aircraft is carrying varied cargo including water, masks, protective suits, blankets, food, respirators and anti-radiation medication. Additionally, the load comprises a range of specialist equipment for relief teams such as pumps, compressors, generators, dosimeters (which measure an individual’s exposure to radiation), and radiometers (to measure the power of electromagnetic radiation).

The AN225 has been chartered by Air Partner in the past for other major outsize air cargo contracts. For example, the company used the aircraft to fly helicopters from Toulouse to an event in Kuala Lumpur and to move a 14-carriage exhibition train from Hawaii to the USA for a German engineering company.

Richard Smith, Air Partner’s Freight Director, said: “It was very satisfying to secure use of the AN225 once again. The aircraft was ideal for the task as it allowed us to move the entire payload in one airlift which was commercially beneficial for the client. Following the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, Air Partner has been involved in assisting the Japanese relief effort from the outset. We flew one of the first relief flights and medical support teams into the region, as well as their equipment, and this latest relief flight is part of our on-going operations on behalf of governments, corporate companies and international charities.”

The AN225 is a rare sight. Originally designed to support Russia’s space programme, it can carry 250 tonnes of cargo, has a 290ft wingspan and is almost 50 per cent longer than a Boeing 747.  

In the last few weeks Air Partner has now moved:
•   More than 12,000 people
•   445 tonnes of aid and relief kit
•   From or into Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, New Zealand and Japan

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Air Partner’s Emergency Planning team provides 24-hour air evacuation planning and implementation services from anywhere in the world using chartered aircraft to ensure a safe, secure and rapid exit of personnel to an agreed destination or safe haven. Air Partner has been operating this pre-planned contingency service for ten years, supporting industries ranging from energy, construction, banking, drilling support, mineral extraction and manufacturing to a number of leading charity organisations. The team also provides contingency planning for countries which may be at risk of political unrest, risk of violence, or natural disasters.

For more information visit
http://www.airpartner.com/commercial-jets/emergency-plann...
http://www.airpartner.com/freight/outsize-freight/
http://www.airpartner.com/freight/relief-and-humanitarian...