The World's Largest Plane Turns 30
Dec. 21 marked 30 years since the Antonov AN-225 first took to the air. During those past three decades, the aircraft, operated by Antonov Airlines and used to move super heavy payloads all over the world, has seen its ups and downs — but today enjoys a special place in the aviation world.
Known as Mriya — Ukrainian for dream — the plane holds a number of world records and draws huge crowds any time it arrives or leaves a destination. By any measure you could safely call it a super rare aircraft — there is only one operational AN-225 in the world — making an encounter a real treat for plane spotters and AvGeeks. TPG's own JT Genter got up close and personal with the AN-225 back in April.
The history of the world's largest plane has been less than smooth flying during the last 30 years. The aircraft was originally designed to transport the Buran spaceplane — essentially a Soviet knockoff of the US space shuttle. After the collapse of the USSR, the AN-225 saw its engines removed and got the mothball treatment for the next eight years. The aircraft got new life when Antonov saw a need to move larger cargo that its AN-124s — a smaller version of the AN-225 — couldn't handle. The AN-225 was retrofitted in the late '90s and had its six power plants remounted. The behemoth then entered service for Antonov moving cargo all over the world.
The AN-225 touts some impressive stats. Its landing gear is made up of 32 wheels, its pressurized cargo hold is 46,000 cubic feet, and it's longer than the Wright brothers' entire first flight at more than 142 feet. The gargantuan plane is powered by six Ivchenko Progress D-18T turbofans mounted under its 290-foot wingspan. (What about the Airbus A380, though? Isn't that one the biggest in the world? It is, but only as far as passenger planes go.)
It may soon lose its title, however, as the largest flying aircraft, assuming Paul Allen's Stratolaunch can actually get airborne. Whether it continues to hold that title or not, it's sure to retain a special place with AvGeeks everywhere, including those here at TPG. Happy 30th birthday, Mriya!
All images by JT Genter/The Points Guy
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Unlimited up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.