The Day the World’s Biggest Aircraft – AN225 “Mriya” came to Perth
The world’s biggest aircraft, the AN225, landed in Perth – the first time ever in Australia – on Sunday May 15, 2016.
It was chaos, as thousands flocked to Perth Airport to see the aircraft touch down.
#Antonov225 has landed @PerthAirport #Perth #Australia@iLove_Aviation pic.twitter.com/ETaPrU3kwJ
— Alex (@speedbird020) May 15, 2016
20,000 aviation enthusiasts flocked to Perth Airport and surrounding suburbs to see the 640 ton beast.
“Mriya” as she is nicknamed, was built in the 1980’s Soviet Union era to transport rockets for the USSR’s space program.
Today, it’s used only a few times per year, to transport heavy goods.
As the aircraft is so massive, it takes days to get across the world – in this case from Kiev in Ukraine, through the Czech Republic and onto central Asia, India, Malaysia and Perth.
Roads in and out of Perth airport were jammed for hours before.
Hundreds of people either abandoned their vehicles on nearby roads and highways – or parking illegally on the side of key roads.
Video: Parked cars on Tonkin Highway
#AN225 will be landing from the north. We’ll be live on @periscopeco (Internet permitting) soon for landing pic.twitter.com/SJZi6f3qlH
— Tweet Perth (@tweetperth) May 15, 2016
The aircraft was delayed by nearly 2-hours after a late takeoff from Malaysia.
Many Perthites waited from the early morning hours to get a sweet spot for landing.
During the morning, 20,000 people flocked to designated viewing areas and fence lines to see the the world’s largest aircraft land in Australia.
I was lucky enough to view the landing from Perth International main observation deck, competing with local and international media crews to grab the best window position.
Members of Perth’s proud Ukrainian community were there as well, some in traditional dress.
Representatives of the firm who had helped bring “Myria” to Western Australia were also there. Although they were tight lipped as they weren’t authorised to speak.
I recorded the minutes before, during and after landing live on Periscope and Twitter, see below.
Video: Live Periscope of AN225 landing in Perth, Western Australia.
LIVE on #Periscope: Live from @perthairport #AN225 landing!! https://t.co/nDobAcfP7K
— Tweet Perth (@tweetperth) May 15, 2016
Iron Maiden’s jumbo was also in town, Ed Force One.
The AN225 was employed to bring in a huge generator for aluminium ore mining company Worsley Alumina, the Australian reported.
The day that #Perth @tweetperth stood still #Antonov225 many people ???good to see people out & cyclists galore? pic.twitter.com/83i5QCQJKj
— Tommo (@Number20six) May 15, 2016
#Antonov225 #an225 credit to putty pic.twitter.com/DPVg0UVE3T
— Andy Coen (@andycoen1977) May 15, 2016
After much anticipation, the giant of the skies has touched down in Perth. Welcome to Australia #AN225 Mriya! pic.twitter.com/Mm6sKRQgBz
— Perth Airport (@PerthAirport) May 15, 2016
#Antonov225 opening up. @7NewsPerth pic.twitter.com/9C5ZqW5GQg
— Rob Scott (@Rob7Scott) May 15, 2016
