Antonov is to build AN-225s after signing an agreement with the Aerospace Industry Corporation of China (AICC).

The first stage of the cooperation will involve constructing a second modernised AN-225 Mriya at Antonov Company and delivering the aircraft to AICC.

The second stage will consist of organising the joint series production of the AN-225 in China under licence of the Antonov Company.

The AN-225 was designed and constructed between 1984 and 1988, and can transport up to 250 tonnes of cargo.

The aircraft has been used on a number of flights for outsized cargo, including moving a generator to Perth, Australia from the Czech Republic with stops in Turkmenistan, India and Malaysia.