Antonov 124 crossing the pond 230708
 

I've tried my usual sources to identify the Volga-Dnepr AN-124 that routed over Cornwall to Gapli at 1055 yesterday. He/she was VDA9540 I believe. Any ideas on which one?
I note two An-124s left Farnborough on 22nd, so was it taking bits of "show aeroplane" back to the States?

They were UR82072 and RA82078 @ FAB both taking Helo's back to India:ok:

Veeps

Must be another one then
 

Farnborough to India via Lands End? Probably not.

both dropped into STN on a tech stop

There goes another one
 

Another westbound AN-124 seen at 1030 on Sunday 27th July. This one was VDA 9452 RA-82042. Getting to be a common sight.

Interesting thought if they need to tech stop in Stanstead for fuel, whether Newquay would be an attractive alternative when it goes civy. Bags of runway and in the right direction for the Atlantic crossing

They stopped at Stansted because:

a) They were going from Farnborough (short rwy) to India, so STN was in roughly the right direction.

b) Several Antonov operators have good links with STN and can obtain very good handling/fuel rates I believe.


Is Newquay equipped to handle such a large aircraft in terms of infrastructure and equipment?

Can't see any operators needing to drop in there for fuel when going Westbound. EMA/STN/PIK are the usual civil UK airports used, plus Shannon and the Spanish/Portugese Atlantic Islands if required.