Australia bans An-124s and An-225...

[Stratofreighter]

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World's largest freighters banned from Australia

Antonovs now have to be granted exemption on the grounds of public interest to land in Australia

The viability of specialist heavy-lift air cargo operations in Australia are in doubt following the Government’s ban on the operation of the world’s largest freighters.

AN124s and AN225s are now banned from landing at Australian airports without first being granted an exemption on the grounds of “public interest”
by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Local government (DITRDL).

The restrictions even apply to those refuelling for onward journeys to New Zealand.

Steve Harvey, sales manager, Europe, Ruslan international, which manages the sales efforts of Antonov and Volga Dnepr said his company could no longer offer customers in New Zealand and Australia a guaranteed service.

“Before operating into or out of Australia we have to apply for an exemption,” he told IFW on the sidelines of Ichca’s Australia – Asia conference held in Darwin, Australia, last week.

Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority was unable to provide any additional information on the ban.

DITRDL failed to respond to efforts to clarify why it had banned the aircraft, but IFW understands it may have been introduced under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) noise abatement recommendations.

“Australia is the only major nation to implement this restriction,” said Harvey.

He said the implications of the ban could be severe for companies in the oil, gas and mining sectors which use the planes commercially.

“Earlier this year we brought in mining equipment for a major customer,” he explained.

“The end result was that the mine shutdown was for two or three days instead of much longer, but now we can’t say if we could do that or not.

This ban has not been thought through properly.

“In an emergency, Antonovs might be the only suitable planes so there are both commercial and logistical reasons why this could have a serious effect on local business.

“The restriction also means that flights that have previously been operated on behalf of the Australian military will be subject to an exemption being granted.”

[Propwash]

Australia?

Isn't that the Island, were the Brits dropped their criminals and other unwanted

[Le Addeur noir]

Australia?

Isn't that the Island, were the Brits dropped their criminals and other unwanted

Correct.First it was America before 1776,then Australia.A backward place.