The wreckage of an Antonov AN-225, the world's biggest aircraft, sits under a steel shelter at Gostomel airfield near Kyiv in April 2022. EPA
The wreckage of an Antonov AN-225, the world's biggest aircraft, sits under a steel shelter at Gostomel airfield near Kyiv in April 2022. EPA
The cargo plane, named Mriya (which means Dream in Ukrainian), was destroyed during a heavy battle with Russian troops at the airfield earlier this year. Reuters
The cargo plane, named Mriya (which means Dream in Ukrainian), was destroyed during a heavy battle with Russian troops at the airfield earlier this year. Reuters
The Soviet-era plane was a symbol of Ukraine's identity and was cherished by aviation enthusiasts. AP
The Soviet-era plane was a symbol of Ukraine's identity and was cherished by aviation enthusiasts. AP
Poland's Minister of Interior and Administration Mariusz Kaminski stands near the heavily damaged plane on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP
Poland's Minister of Interior and Administration Mariusz Kaminski stands near the heavily damaged plane on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP
The Ukrainian plane had six engines, 32 wheels and wingspan that matched the length of a football pitch. AP
The Ukrainian plane had six engines, 32 wheels and wingspan that matched the length of a football pitch. AP
A Ukrainian man searches for unexploded explosives near the damaged plane. AP
A Ukrainian man searches for unexploded explosives near the damaged plane. AP
The aircraft's role in the aviation industry took on greater significance amid the coronavirus pandemic, as it delivered tonne after tonne of vital aid to countries worldwide. AP
The aircraft's role in the aviation industry took on greater significance amid the coronavirus pandemic, as it delivered tonne after tonne of vital aid to countries worldwide. AP
The Mriya entered commercial service in 2001 and was originally developed to transport the Energiya carrier-rocket and Buran space shuttle. AP
The Mriya entered commercial service in 2001 and was originally developed to transport the Energiya carrier-rocket and Buran space shuttle. AP
The aircraft could carry a maximum payload of 250,000 kilograms, and had a wingspan of 88 metres. Its size meant it could fit a helicopter or haulage lorry inside. AFP
The aircraft could carry a maximum payload of 250,000 kilograms, and had a wingspan of 88 metres. Its size meant it could fit a helicopter or haulage lorry inside. AFP
Ukrainian soldiers stand in front of the destroyed plane. Reuters
Ukrainian soldiers stand in front of the destroyed plane. Reuters
The aircraft was more than seven metres longer than a Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and 11 metres longer than the Airbus A380-800, the largest passenger plane. AFP
The aircraft was more than seven metres longer than a Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and 11 metres longer than the Airbus A380-800, the largest passenger plane. AFP
It was the only Antonov An-225 in the world. AP
It was the only Antonov An-225 in the world. AP
A second version was in the making and reached about 70 per cent completion in the mid-2000s before progress was halted because of the cost involved. AP
A second version was in the making and reached about 70 per cent completion in the mid-2000s before progress was halted because of the cost involved. AP
Since its first flight in 1988, it claimed 242 world records, according to Antonov Airlines. AP
Since its first flight in 1988, it claimed 242 world records, according to Antonov Airlines. AP
The Mriya touched down at Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport in May 2016 after visiting Perth in Australia to deliver a 117-tonne generator. AFP
The Mriya touched down at Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport in May 2016 after visiting Perth in Australia to deliver a 117-tonne generator. AFP
The Mriya was so large that the length of its cargo hold was longer than the Wright brothers’ first flight, from take-off to landing. Reuters
The Mriya was so large that the length of its cargo hold was longer than the Wright brothers’ first flight, from take-off to landing. Reuters
It cost around $30,000 an hour to hire the plane. Reuters
It cost around $30,000 an hour to hire the plane. Reuters

Business

Aviation

Antonov An-225: world's largest plane destroyed in Ukraine to be rebuilt

About 30 per cent of the components of the original aircraft can be used after February's attack by Russian forces

Ian Oxborrow
Ian Oxborrow

November 08, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

The world's largest plane, the Antonov An-225 — severely damaged by Russian forces in Ukraine earlier this year — will be rebuilt, the aircraft manufacturer has said.

The aircraft, known as Mriya, was almost destroyed at the Antonov Airport in Hostomel, near Kiev in February.

However, state-owned Antonov has issued a statement on its Facebook page with an update on plans to restore the plane.

"Currently, construction work in this direction has begun," it said.

"According to the available expert estimate, there are currently about 30 per cent of the components that can be used for the second model aircraft. The cost of building the plane is estimated at least €500 million ($500m). However, it's early to talk about a certain amount."

Read more

Antonov An-225, the world’s biggest plane, makes a stop in Dubai

It added that more detailed information will be shared "after Ukraine's victory in the war".

Reports claiming that work was already under way were inaccurate, Antonov said.

Ukraine's state-owned defence conglomerate Ukroboronprom said in February that the aircraft would "definitely" be rebuilt, with restoration estimated to take more than $3bn and five years.

Initially, the condition of the aircraft was only known from satellite images, which showed damage to its hangar.

Antonov said that its technical condition could not be reported until experts had inspected it.

An Antonov AN225 aircraft carrying medical supplies arrives in Toronto, on Saturday, May 30, 2020. The Canadian Press via AP
An Antonov AN225 aircraft carrying medical supplies arrives in Toronto, on Saturday, May 30, 2020. The Canadian Press via AP
An Antonov An-225 aircraft carrying medical supplies arrives in Toronto on Saturday, May 30, 2020. The Canadian Press via AP
An Antonov An-225 aircraft carrying medical supplies arrives in Toronto on Saturday, May 30, 2020. The Canadian Press via AP
Workers unload a shipment of medical supplies from an Antonov AN-225 Mriya aircraft at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Bloomberg
Workers unload a shipment of medical supplies from an Antonov AN-225 Mriya aircraft at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Bloomberg
Workers unload a shipment of medical supplies. Bloomberg
Workers unload a shipment of medical supplies. Bloomberg
A worker unloads a shipment of medical supplies. Bloomberg
A worker unloads a shipment of medical supplies. Bloomberg
People watch as the Antonov AN-225 Mriya aircraft lands. Bloomberg
People watch as the Antonov AN-225 Mriya aircraft lands. Bloomberg
Nothing matches the AN-225 when it comes to handling outsize and exceptionally heavy payloads. Bloomberg
Nothing matches the AN-225 when it comes to handling outsize and exceptionally heavy payloads. Bloomberg
"In moving large supplies of emergency equipment, military needs and other machinery, the AN-225 is unbeatable." Bloomberg
"In moving large supplies of emergency equipment, military needs and other machinery, the AN-225 is unbeatable." Bloomberg
Workers unload a shipment of medical supplies from an Antonov AN-225 Mriya aircraft at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Bloomberg
Workers unload a shipment of medical supplies from an Antonov AN-225 Mriya aircraft at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Bloomberg
The beast of the skies lands in Canada. In the past week it has flown from Montreal in eastern Canada to Anchorage in the US state of Alaska before taking off for an 11-hour flight to Tianjin, China. Bloomberg
The beast of the skies lands in Canada. In the past week it has flown from Montreal in eastern Canada to Anchorage in the US state of Alaska before taking off for an 11-hour flight to Tianjin, China. Bloomberg
While the aircraft is playing an important role during the pandemic, it is unlikely more will be made given its infrequent use at other times. Bloomberg
While the aircraft is playing an important role during the pandemic, it is unlikely more will be made given its infrequent use at other times. Bloomberg
People watch as the Antonov AN-225 Mriya aircraft lands in Toronto. Bloomberg
People watch as the Antonov AN-225 Mriya aircraft lands in Toronto. Bloomberg
Three engines are seen on the wing of the Antonov AN-225 Mriya aircraft. Bloomberg
Three engines are seen on the wing of the Antonov AN-225 Mriya aircraft. Bloomberg
The Mriya (which means "dream" in Ukrainian) entered commercial service in 2001 and was originally developed to transport the Energiya carrier-rocket and Buran space shuttle. Bloomberg
The Mriya (which means "dream" in Ukrainian) entered commercial service in 2001 and was originally developed to transport the Energiya carrier-rocket and Buran space shuttle. Bloomberg
It is scheduled to continue flying until at least 2033. Bloomberg
It is scheduled to continue flying until at least 2033. Bloomberg
It's statistics include a maximum payload of 250,000kg, a wingspan of 88m and total length of 84m. That means you can even slot a helicopter or haulage lorry inside.
It's statistics include a maximum payload of 250,000kg, a wingspan of 88m and total length of 84m. That means you can even slot a helicopter or haulage lorry inside.
The next biggest commercial airliner is the Boeing 747-8F, which handles up to 150 tonnes. Bloomberg
The next biggest commercial airliner is the Boeing 747-8F, which handles up to 150 tonnes. Bloomberg

Antonov moved its operational base from Kyiv-Antonov airport in Hostomel, Ukraine, to Leipzig, Germany in May due to the damage at the site.

Antonov An-225's role in aviation

With its six engines, 32 wheels and a wingspan that matches the length of a football pitch, the Antonov An-225 has claimed 242 world records since it started flying in 1988, according to Antonov.

Its role in the aviation industry took on greater significance amid the coronavirus pandemic, as it delivered tonne after tonne of vital aid to countries worldwide.

Mriya ("dream" in Ukrainian) entered commercial service in 2001 and was originally developed to transport the Energiya carrier-rocket and Buran space shuttle.

The aircraft could carry a maximum payload of 250 tonnes and had a wingspan of 88 metres. Its size meant it could fit a helicopter or haulage lorry inside.

The next biggest commercial airliner is the Boeing 747-8F, which can handle up to 150 tonnes. Sandwiched between is the An-124, which can handle up to 150 tonnes but has a single deck, in contrast to the 747-8F, which has both the main deck and lower cargo hold.

The Airbus BelugaXL, shaped like a whale and complete with a smiley face, is bigger than the Antonov in one respect: at 63 metres long and 8 metres wide, it has the largest cargo bay cross-section of all existing cargo aircraft.

Also on December 7 to 9, the third edition of the Gulf Car Festival (www.gulfcarfestival.com) will take over Dubai Festival City Mall, a new venue for the event. Last year's festival brought together about 900 cars worth more than Dh300 million from across the Emirates and wider Gulf region – and that first figure is set to swell by several hundred this time around, with between 1,000 and 1,200 cars expected. The first day is themed around American muscle; the second centres on supercars, exotics, European cars and classics; and the final day will major in JDM (Japanese domestic market) cars, tuned vehicles and trucks. Individuals and car clubs can register their vehicles, although the festival isn’t all static displays, with stunt drifting, a rev battle, car pulls and a burnout competition.

Stamp duty timeline

December 2014: Former UK finance minister George Osbourne reforms stamp duty, replacing the slab system with a blended rate scheme, with the top rate increasing to 12 per cent from 10 per cent:
Up to £125,000 - 0%; £125,000 to £250,000 – 2%; £250,000 to £925,000 – 5%; £925,000 to £1.5m: 10%; Over £1.5m – 12%

April 2016: New 3% surcharge applied to any buy-to-let properties or additional homes purchased.

July 2020: Rishi Sunak unveils SDLT holiday, with no tax to pay on the first £500,000, with buyers saving up to £15,000.

March 2021: Mr Sunak decides the fate of SDLT holiday at his March 3 budget, with expectations he will extend the perk unti June.

April 2021: 2% SDLT surcharge added to property transactions made by overseas buyers.

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

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The bio

Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.

Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.

Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.

Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.

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Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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Avengers: Endgame

Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin

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Friday (UAE kick-off times)

Real Sociedad v Leganes (midnight)

Saturday

Alaves v Real Valladolid (4pm)

Valencia v Granada (7pm)

Eibar v Real Madrid (9.30pm)

Barcelona v Celta Vigo (midnight)

Sunday

Real Mallorca v Villarreal (3pm)

Athletic Bilbao v Levante (5pm)

Atletico Madrid v Espanyol (7pm)

Getafe v Osasuna (9.30pm)

Real Betis v Sevilla (midnight)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Tewellah by Nawal Zoghbi is out now.

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  • Park in shaded or covered areas
  • Add tint to windows
  • Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
  • Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
UAE currency
Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
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  • 1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10
  • 2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
  • 3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
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Squads:

  • UAE: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
  • Zimbabwe: Peter Moor (captain), Solomon Mire, Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Brandon Mavuta, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tony Munyonga, Elton Chigumbura
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