In a move at the start of the year, set to reshape the landscape of heavy and oversized cargo transportation in the United States, Florida-based Global Feeder Services (GFS) was appointed as the exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA) for Antonov and its subsidiary Antonov Logistics. This strategic partnership marks a major step forward for both organisations in their shared mission to bring heavy air cargo capabilities to US-based clients handling high-weight, high-value and non-standard airfreight.

At the heart of this partnership is Antonov’s renowned AN-124 Ruslan, one of the most capable heavy-lift cargo aircraft currently in service. With a payload capacity of up to 150 tonnes, the AN-124 is uniquely equipped to move cargoes that simply cannot be transported by standard commercial freighters. This includes industrial turbines, aerospace components, military vehicles, oil & gas equipment, satellites, transformers, generators and other outsize or super-heavy cargo.

For US-based customers operating in aerospace, defence, energy and infrastructure, this collaboration may be a game changer. With Global Feeder Services now acting as the bridge between American industries and Antonov’s lift capacity, accessing specialised air transport services is expected to become significantly easier, faster and more reliable.

Opening the skies to heavy-lift innovation

“We’re thrilled to take on the role of US GSA for Antonov Airlines and Antonov Logistics,” said Arthur Ilyayev, CEO of Global Feeder Services. “This partnership gives American companies greater access to one of the most capable fleets in the world for outsized and ultra-heavy cargo. Whether it’s delivering a disassembled helicopter for emergency humanitarian response or airlifting a 100-tonne power generator to support a grid failure, we now have the tools to move what others can’t.”

The agreement comes at a time when US industries are facing growing pressure to deploy critical infrastructure faster and more securely. In many cases, road or sea transport options for oversized equipment present logistical, legal or time-sensitive challenges. Antonov’s ability to land in austere environments, coupled with GFS’s robust logistics network, allows them to meet these challenges.

Antonov’s Viktor Avdieiev, managing director of Antonov Logistics, emphasised the importance of this partnership to their global growth strategy: “Our collaboration with Global Feeder Services ensures we have a trusted and experienced partner in the US market. Their deep understanding of North American logistics, customer relationships, and regulatory compliance makes them the ideal choice to represent us.”

What’s being shipped?

This partnership targets critical cargo needs across high-impact sectors, including military vehicles, missile defence systems and mobile command centres. In energy, it enables transport of gas turbines, windmill parts and transformers. Aerospace clients benefit from jet engine and satellite moves. Emergency response shipments include mobile hospitals and water systems, while construction and mining sectors gain airlift access for excavators, tunnel boring machines and heavy cranes. In each of these sectors, time is critical. Traditional freight forwarding may require weeks or months to co-ordinate sea or rail shipments for such heavy or irregular items. Antonov’s aircraft offer direct delivery within days, minimising project downtime and supporting urgent deployments.

Who benefits more – Antonov or GFS?

While both companies stand to benefit substantially, Global Feeder Services may see the larger strategic gain. This agreement positions GFS as one of the few US-based GSAs with access to ultra-heavy-lift aircraft, giving them a value proposition in a competitive market. Their logistics solutions portfolio becomes immediately more attractive to high-value clients across government, defence and energy sectors.

For Antonov, the benefit lies in market penetration. The US is one of the world’s largest markets for military and industrial exports and imports, and tapping into that via a trusted, well-connected American partner accelerates their reach without needing to establish direct local operations.

The relationship is symbiotic. Antonov’s lift capabilities are unmatched, but difficult to access without localised representation and technical co-ordination. GFS bridges that gap, adding logistics expertise, market knowledge and customer service excellence.

Long-term impact

In the months ahead, GFS and Antonov will introduce a joint service model designed specifically for the US market. This comprehensive offering will provide real-time quoting for oversized cargo air transport, enabling faster decision-making for clients with complex shipping needs. The service will also include expedited flight scheduling to support time-sensitive or mission-critical shipments. On-site technical support – such as crane operations and specialised cargo rigging – will be available to ensure safe handling. Additionally, the partnership will assist with regulatory compliance, particularly for military and dual-use cargo, helping clients navigate complex export controls. To streamline the entire logistics process, the model will offer fully integrated door-to-door solutions that seamlessly combine Antonov’s heavy-lift air transport with Global Feeder’s ground logistics expertise.

This integrated approach will enable faster mobilisation of high-weight cargo from manufacturing facilities to project sites – both domestically and internationally.

A new era for US heavy cargo

With the announcement of this partnership, US industry now has a powerful new tool in its logistics arsenal. Whether shipping an aircraft engine, delivering mobile power during a natural disaster or relocating military equipment across continents, the combination of Antonov’s aircraft and GFS’s logistics expertise offers a new gold standard for heavyweight air transport.

As supply chains become more complex and time-sensitive, Global Feeder Services and Antonov are positioned to lead the future of air cargo – one oversized shipment at a time.

Our recent March supplement on European air cargo has an exclusive report on Antonov Airlines and exclusive Ukrainian content written by our journalist Anastasiya Simsek. Click HERE to read her report.