Despite the ongoing war, Ukrainian aviation is still in the game, adapting and operating under extraordinary conditions. The country’s air cargo sector, once a dominant global player, has found ways to persist despite the loss of key infrastructure and aircraft.
Ukraine’s air cargo prominence dates back to the Soviet era, when the Antonov Design Bureau, now Antonov Company, developed the world’s largest cargo aircraft. The An-124 “Ruslan” became an oversized cargo workhorse, while the An-225 “Mriya”, built in 1988, remains the heaviest aircraft ever constructed.
After Ukraine’s independence, Antonov Airlines was established in the 1990s, dominating the niche ultra-heavy air freight market. Alongside Volga-Dnepr Airlines of Russia, Antonov played a critical role in transporting industrial equipment, aerospace components, and relief supplies. By 2022, Antonov operated seven An-124 Ruslans and the one-of-a-kind An-225 Mriya, serving global clients and supporting NATO’s Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS) program. About half of Antonov’s flights catered to NATO operations at discounted rates, with the rest allocated to commercial logistics.
The Russian invasion in February 2022 devastated Ukraine’s aviation infrastructure. Antonov-2 Hostomel Airport, the company’s home base, suffered massive damage. Russian forces destroyed multiple aircraft, including the An-225, and left Antonov Airlines with only five operational An-124s. Ukrainian commercial aviation shut down completely, forcing cargo operations to relocate.
To keep logistics moving, Ukrainian air cargo now relies on alternative routes. Poland’s Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport has become a critical gateway, handling up to 90% of air-delivered military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine. Cargo bound for Ukrainian businesses is now flown to hubs in Poland, Hungary, or Germany before being transported overland. While functional, these workarounds increase transit times and add complexity.
Despite these setbacks, Antonov Airlines quickly adapted. The company moved its remaining fleet to Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, where operations resumed under new conditions. According to Dmytro Prosvirin, Antonov’s Commercial Department head, all aircraft maintenance and logistics have been arranged to keep the fleet in service. “Since February 2022, aircraft maintenance has been carried out at Leipzig/Halle Airport… all components are delivered in advance, and maintenance work is carried out exactly on time.”
This transition allowed Antonov to maintain its position as a leader in heavy-lift air transport. With Volga-Dnepr Airlines grounded due to sanctions, Antonov’s AN-124-100 fleet became even more crucial for Western aerospace, energy, and defense clients. The airline continues to transport project cargo worldwide, moving aerospace parts, oil and gas equipment, and heavy machinery. Humanitarian missions remain a priority as well. “We always find opportunities to deliver humanitarian cargo in the interests of the Ukrainian government,” says Prosvirin.
Looking ahead, Ukraine’s air cargo industry is focused on post-war rebuilding. Antonov plans to reconstruct Hostomel Airport into a modern logistics hub. Officials also envision upgrading Kyiv Boryspil International Airport, the country’s largest air cargo hub before the war. International partnerships are expected to play a major role in financing these projects. Prosvirin notes that securing foreign investment and technical cooperation is key to reviving the sector. “Major infrastructure projects involving international partners will be crucial for recovery,” he says.
A significant question remains: will the An-225 Mriya be rebuilt? Ukrainian officials have expressed strong intentions to restore the legendary aircraft. Preliminary design work is underway, but the actual construction will have to wait until after the war. The project is expected to require international collaboration, with figures like British entrepreneur Richard Branson showing interest in assisting Antonov.
For now, Ukraine’s aviation industry continues to operate under extraordinary circumstances. Through strategic relocation, logistical adjustments, and international cooperation, Antonov Airlines has managed to survive and remain a vital player in global air cargo. When the skies over Ukraine reopen, the sector will face the challenge of rebuilding from the ground up, but with the resilience and experience gained through wartime adaptation, its future remains promising.
Source: acw
