The Antonov An-225 Mriya (dream) is an enlarged version of the An-124 and was designed to haul large components used in the Soviet space program. It was designed to carry the Buran space shuttle on top and other large cargo for the construction and mining industries. The An-124 design was lengthened, the fuselage was strengthened, the wing span was increased and two engines were added and the tail was redesigned with twin vertical fins. The An-124's rear cargo doors were also removed to reduce weight although the nose door was retained.

The An-225's first flight was on December 21,1988 and it quickly set 106 world records in just one flight. It was placed into service on May 13, 1989 with the Buran space shuttle. After the Buran space shuttle program was cancelled the An-225 was placed into storage until 2001 when the aircraft was operated jointly by Antonov and the British firm Air Foyle until 2006. Antonov then partnered with Volga-Dnepr.

Crew: 6 (pilot, co-pilot, four cabin crew), passengers: 70

Statistics: length 275.58', wingspan 290.00', height 59.67', wing area 9,742', empty weight 628,315 pounds, max takeoff weight 1,322,750 pounds, fuel capacity 661,375 pounds, max payload internal: 440,925 pounds, max payload external: 551,150 pounds, propulsion powerplant: 6 Lotarev D-18T turbofans, thrust 309,540 pounds, performance: max level speed at altitude: 530 mph, cruise speed: 495 mph, range: typical: 2,430 nm, ferry: 8,310 nm.

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