World's largest cargo aircraft at MRIA

18 April 2018 10:29 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The world's largest cargo aircraft, Antonov An-225 Mriya landed at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) this morning, Airport Manager Upali Kalansuriya said.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Kalansuriya said the cargo aircraft was being refuelled and that its crew was resting.

“It is iconic to have the world’s largest aircraft at MRIA and it is the first time that this type of aircraft arrived in the country. The aircraft arrived from Kuala Lumpur and has scheduled to departure for Karachi, Pakistan 2.00 a.m tomorrow,” he said.

The Antonov An-225 Mriya, a strategic airlift cargo aircraft, was designed by the Antonov Design Bureau in the Ukrainian SSR within the Soviet Union during the 1980s. Powered by six turbofan engines, it is the heaviest aircraft ever built and has a maximum takeoff weight of 640 tonnes. The Mriya also has the largest wingspan of any aircraft in operational service.

The aircraft was designed to airlift the Energia rocket's boosters and the Buran orbiter for the Soviet space program. Developed as a replacement for the Myasishchev VM-T, the An-225's original mission and objectives are almost identical to that of the United States' Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

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Comments - 18

max Wednesday, 18 April 2018 10:51 AM

Good news for the "Bayyas" and Bad news for the "Toyyas".

suda Wednesday, 18 April 2018 10:53 AM

No matter who has developed the infrastructure , it the current governments duty to carry forward all operation which caused good to the country, If Mattala was not their this will be diverted to another country.

Flanker Wednesday, 18 April 2018 11:19 AM

Spot on Suda. without criticizing what MR and govt did, make use of the facility and earn foreign exchanges which our country badly requires

Ss Wednesday, 18 April 2018 01:14 PM

Then how does one answer to the public on the lies that were uttered.

Dotard Wednesday, 18 April 2018 07:31 PM

So, let us build a few more "Mattalas" and wait for the next big aircraft to land. Till then, can wait no!!!?

Ravs Wednesday, 18 April 2018 01:41 PM

To get a Full Tank filled before SL fuel price hike..

Kumar Wednesday, 18 April 2018 09:01 PM

Don't forget landing at MRA is dirt cheap. This their business model. Good cargo bad for passengers.

Lawry Wednesday, 18 April 2018 02:17 PM

The airport was built with money that belongs to the people if Sri Lanka; be it debt or otherwise. Facilities so built cannot be underused since it was built by the previous regime.

Barry Wednesday, 18 April 2018 02:20 PM

Now Toyyas will say all elephants

Rp Wednesday, 18 April 2018 02:33 PM

Good to see the airport put to some use. Hope we get more business like this.

Hans Upton Wednesday, 18 April 2018 02:35 PM

Mattala has one decent chance:Invite Budget Carriers like "Air Asia", Spice Jet or "Ryan Air" etc. to establish a HUB.This will not harm Sri Lankan, as claimed. But bring Millions of more tourists to the Southern and Eastern Beaches.

srilankan Wednesday, 18 April 2018 02:48 PM

would have come to collect the large paddy stock! an airport built to show the status quo of one individual and now ruined by idiotic politicos used as a stop over! whose money, who is wasting!!!! we need another independence for sure!

Dutchy Wednesday, 18 April 2018 07:35 PM

MIRA is in normal operation. But current govt gives a bad picture for political gains

ranjs Wednesday, 18 April 2018 07:55 PM

Yes It is good business. Genius MR planned Mattala exactly for this trip. Please make sure Mattala is maintained and open another few years to get this business back.

Kumar Wednesday, 18 April 2018 08:57 PM

Yes the nation needed another airport and they are built not too far from population centers. Every bird strike will cost the airport a lot of money.

Dhammika Wednesday, 18 April 2018 08:39 PM

This is an excellent opportunity to promote Mattala as an AIR CARGO HUB of South East Asia ! .

Be Fair Wednesday, 18 April 2018 09:37 PM

Lot of "Large" things happened at MRIA

Kumudini Thursday, 19 April 2018 05:12 PM

Have you all forgotten Palali airport in Sri Lanka. It should be an international airport.

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World's largest cargo aircraft at MRIA

Comments - 18

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