Although equally shaken as the rest of the world after the launch of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the aviation community yesterday also focused its attention on one of the most iconic aircraft in history, the Antonov AN-225 «Mriya».
One of the first targets of the Russian troops was Gostomel airport, the Antonov Airlines base where the only completed AN-225, the world’s largest and heaviest aircraft, is based (Gostopol is also a base for NATO’s SALIS program).
Rumors quickly spread about a potential destruction of the Mriya during a hangar fire. However, hours later this was denied by the chief pilot of Antonov Airlines. Through his personal Facebook account, he said that «Gostomel airport is now under Russian air forces». He closed with: «On the positive side, Mriya is intact. We resist and Glory to Ukraine.»
Although no photos or videos of the AN-225 have circulated since then, everything suggests that its situation remains unchanged, although the company itself cannot say for sure.
Moments ago (21:22 GMT), through its Twitter account, the Antonov Company stated: «We have no accurate information about the AN-225 Mriya. Now in Gostomel (the region where Antonov Airlines base airport is located) fighting continues.»
«According to the latest information (24/02/2022) the aircraft was intact,» Antonov concluded.
We don’t have accurate information about #AN225 Mriya. Now in Gostomel (it is the region where airfield base @AntonovAirlines) still fighting continues.
according to the latest information (24.02.2022) the plane was intact
— ANTONOV Company 🇺🇦 (@AntonovCompany) February 25, 2022
