Revenue at Antonov Airlines has grown 42 per cent in the first five months of 2018 with aerospace being one of the key sectors.

The carrier’s growth, with follows an 81 per cent increase in revenue in 2017, is the result of its strategic partnership with Dreamlifts Limited and the establishment of its UK headquarters at London Stansted Airport.

The heavy lift and super heavy lift operator is working with Western suppliers for its fleet modernisation programme to ensure aircraft are fit to fly into the future.

As part of the programme, Antonov has increased payload of two of its AN-124 airframes from 120 to 150 tonnes and will expand this across the other five in due course.

Under the Open Skies Agreement between Ukraine and the USA, Antonov Airlines is the only AN-124 operator to be granted a blanket exemption for unlimited flights to and from the USA.

The agreement allows Antonov Airlines to carry any type of cargo to or from the US with only a few hours notice without the need to obtain US Department of Transportation statements of authorisation.