ANTONOV Airlines, a leader in superheavy and oversized air transportation, ensured the delivery of a large container within a strict timeframe.
ANTONOV Airlines, in cooperation with PROAIR, delivered a satellite and related equipment from Ankara, Turkey, to Florida, USA.
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The satellite was transported in a particular container fixed to the frame. For loading the piece into the cargo cabin of the AN-124-100, a low-profile cargo ramp was used in combination with external cranes. The entire air transport mission lasted 39 hours.
“For our cargo loading department, this project became a challenge. There were doubts the possibility of loading the satellite on board the AN-124-100 because of the height of the container – 414.6 cm, while the size of cargo door cabin is 440 cm. Also, we understood the importance of this transportation and did everything possible to successfully complete this mission. We thank our partners and customers for their trust and effective cooperation,” commented Vladyslav Ishchuk, Commercial Executive, ANTONOV Airlines.
The project is of national importance. The Türksat 6A satellite is the first geostationary communication satellite built in Turkey, and it aims to expand the country’s abilities.
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The mission’s logistics were planned for six months, and it was imperative to carry out the transportation precisely on time for the launch.
“It was a great honour for us to be a part of such an important project for our country and to provide services to Tübitak Space. In this project, which required much more detailed work than traditional charter flights, every aspect of the process was meticulously handled, and our excitement persisted until the very last material was unloaded from the aircraft. We extend our gratitude to Tübitak Uzay and all stakeholders for placing their trust in us”, commented” Muhammet Davut Yüce, Managing Director of Proair Aviation & Charter Türkiye.
The TURKSAT 6A satellite will serve end users in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, much of the Asian continent, and Turkey.
