Antonov Airlines has started deploying its An-225, the world’s largest operational aircraft, on services supporting the effort to combat coronavirus.
The six-engined freighter had recently been restored to flight following a substantial upgrade programme.
Antonov says the aircraft departed Kiev on 11 April on the first commercial service since the modification.
Recruitment of the An-225 will provide a sixth Antonov Airlines transport for coronavirus support work. It has been deployed to transport humanitarian aid and medical equipment to European countries from China.
The aircraft (UR-82060) has been flown initially to Tianjin via Almaty, arriving at the Chinese city on 12 April.
Antonov says the aircraft is joining a fleet of five An-124s conducting similar services.
