Date now set for arrival of world's biggest plane in Perth

The news I have been waiting for finally came through today,

The world’s biggest aircraft — the six-engine AN225 Mriya — is due to touch down in Perth on Sunday, May 15.

According to industry sources, the Ukrainian-designed, built and operated super-heavy lifter will be in Perth for two days, giving the public plenty of opportunity to see the plane that dwarfs all others.
The AN225 will be carrying a 135-tonne generator for the resources industry.
The maximum it can carry is 250 tonnes.
The plane’s operator, Antonov Airlines, said it would take eight to 10 hours to unload the cargo.
Perth Airport is working with Antonov Airlines and authorities to maximize opportunities for the public to see the plane.
It will be the AN225’s first visit to Australia.

General characteristics

• Crew: 6
• Length: 84 m (275 ft 7 in)
• Wingspan: 88.4 m (290 ft 0 in)
• Wheels: 32
• Height: 18.1 m (59 ft 5 in)
• Wing area: 905 m² (9,740 sq ft)
• Aspect ratio: 8.6
• Empty weight: 285,000 kg (628,317 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 640,000 kg (1,410,958 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 300,000 kg
• Cargo hold – volume 1,300m, length 43.35m, width 6.4m, height 4.4m
• Powerplant: 6 × ZMKB Progress D-18 turbofans, 229.5 kN (51,600 lbf) thrust each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 850 km/h (528 mph; 459 kn)
• Cruising speed: 800 km/h (497 mph; 432 kn)
• Range: 15,400 km (9,569 mi; 8,315 nmi) with maximum fuel; range with 200 tonnes payload: 4,000 km (2,500 mi)
• Service ceiling: 11,000 m (36,089 ft)
• Wing loading: 662.9 kg/m² (135.8 lb/sq ft)
• Thrust/weight: 0.234

Another fact about the AN 225 is this aircraft can swallow a 737 whole and as this will be its first visit to Australia I have now booked my flights to Perth Western Australia.

CANT WAIT...