MUNICH (May 9, 2017) – Antonov Airlines will expand its global presence by setting up offices in Hong Kong and the US. It will also work with Ukrainian and western suppliers to modernize its existing fleet.

“We are excited to be growing our presence globally in some of the world’s most dynamic economies,” said Oleg Orlov [left], vice president of the Antonov Company. “Ukraine has developed excellent links with the USA as a result of an open skies agreement, that has granted Antonov freedom to operate to and from the USA without the need to obtain US Department of Transport statements of authorization.”

The company has upgraded some of its An-124s and its An-225 with Dunlop tyres. The new tyres enable the An-124-100M-150 aircraft to operate at their maximum designed payload of 150 tonnes and have a longer lifespan, resulting in lower cost per landing.

Antonov has also selected suppliers such as US Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney, Dowty Propellers and Zodiac Aerospace.

“Our An-124s will be flying for the next quarter of a century and we are making sure they are at the cutting edge of aviation technology and design,” said Graham Witton [right], managing director of Antonov Airlines (UK). “We are working with some of the most respected suppliers in the world for the modernization of our fleet. As the design bureau, Antonov Company is the only company that can make amendments to the An aircraft.”