GRU Airport receives the largest cargo plane in the world

On November 14 and 15 a historical operation took place at GRU Airport. Antonov An-225, the largest aircraft in the world left to Santiago, Chile, with the largest cargo ever transported in the history of Brazilian aviation, and the second in the world. The strategy was coordinated by GRU Airport’s Operations and Logistics teams, from receiving and storing the cargo to the aircraft´s departure.

The cargo consisted of a 155-ton transformer, equivalent to 135 medium sized cars, manufactured by ABB - an energy and automation technology company. The operation required receiving and storing cargo, a few days before the flight, defining aircraft stand, loading location, positioning cranes, portals, rails, security, and other requirements.

Antonov landing did not affect the airport’s day-to-day operations, but did require special attention. "We had to reorganize the apron, as the loading operation occupied the positions of seven aircrafts," explains commander Miguel Dau, Operations Director at GRU Airport. The aircraft was parked at the apron in Terminal 2, and remained in operation for almost 24 hours.

Besides the transformer, the largest piece in the shipment, there were also other components, making for a total of 42 tons. These items were shipped in another cargo aircraft, Lufthansa's MD-11 that had not been seen at GRU Airport for quite a while.

Curiosity

The Ukrainian Antonov 225, the largest aircraft in the world, with a capacity to transport 250 tons for long distances, landed at Guarulhos for the second time on November 14, at 11:00 p.m., and departed on the 15th at 10:46 p.m. The first time the aircraft came to Guarulhos was in February 2010.