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Russian mystery plane at SFO

Antonov An-124 Volga Dnepr

A Russian-made Antonov An-124 parked at SFO (Photo: Chris McGinnis)

Departing SFO last week, I peered out my window at a rare site: a gigantic Russian Antonov An-124 cargo jet parked across the runways from airport terminals. I thought it was a one-time event, but I began hearing more about it from TravelSkills readers who have seen one or two of the behemoths over the last two weeks at SFO.

I reached out to airport officials at SFO to inquire about the planes, but only received vague replies: “Yes, we’ve had these Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft making semi-regular appearances over the past week, at times having two here simultaneously. None are here now, but the next one comes in tonight.”

When I asked why they are here, what they are transporting and where they are going, the airport said, “They’re coming from various locations, all for the same Bay Area company. I don’t have details on who…”

I’ve seen Antonovs at SFO before, but it’s been a very rare occurrence. What’s new now is that there are so many at SFO – sometimes two a day.

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So I did a little digging around and found out that aviation geeks are equally interested in what’s up with these big birds making regular appearances at SFO.

On Tuesday, the excellent flight tracking site/app FlightRadar24 shows one of the planes (VI4819) departing Leipzig, Germany for Milan on April 28. From Milan, it traveled to Goose Bay (Newfoundland), Canada, and from there it flew to SFO. From SFO, it flew to Kinston, North Carolina, (near the Atlantic coast), which boasts one of the longest runways in that part of the country. Update: From Kinston, it flew to Nantes, France.

Walking my dogs last night, believe it or not, I spotted another Antonov flying over the city en route to SFO. I fired up FlightRadar24 and found that this one (VI3022, RA82077) originated in Tokyo and stopped over in Anchorage before arriving at SFO around 8 pm.

Airliners.net has a new string inquiring about the Antonov at SFO where one user speculates that the planes are in the Bay Area to pick up Teslas. (More on that here.)

A planespotter near SFO was surprised at his luck seeing the Antonov and shot this video of it on April 24:

Compared to an Airbus A380, the Antonov An-124 is slightly smaller: It is 226 feet long vs the A380 at 238 feet. And its wingspan is a bit narrower: 241 feet for the An124 vs 261 for the Airbus A380.

The Antonovs at SFO are owned by Volga-Dnepr Airlines, which according to its website is: “The world leader in the specialis [sic] market of oversize and super-heavy cargo transportation…Our customers include governmental and commercial organizations, including leading global businesses in the oil and gas, energy, aerospace, agriculture and telecommunications industries as well as the humanitarian and emergency services sectors.”

Here’s more on the Antonov An-124, which can carry a payload of a whopping 150 tons! The Antonov website says, “The AN-124 has been used to deliver 90 ton hydraulic turbines, the Liebherr large dimension mobile crane, the USA Euclid mine truck, the fuselage of the Tu-204 passenger aircraft, a 109 ton locomotive, General Electric GE90 aircraft engines, various combat vehicles, Lynx anti-submarine helicopters, a spaceship in its container and other unique cargoes. It rescued refugees and people suffered from natural disasters, transported tanks and Christmas trees, elite fast horses and cruise yachts, concert equipment and reconnaissance aircraft, banknotes and pure gold. The list of its cargo is endless – in this sense it can be called as the most universal airplane in the whole history of aviation.”

Have you seen this plane at SFO? Know anything about it? Please leave your comments, tips or speculation below.

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Comments

  2. Kinston and Nantes, FC have one thing in common-Airbus manufacturing.

  3. Obviously the Russian plane is delivering more loads of alternative
    facts to feed Spicey and Trumpkin trolls on what Dubya called the
    “internets”.

  4. Юрочка, недостаточно высоко выпрыгиваешь

  5. на этих самолётах прилетели боевые медведи из Сибири по приказу Путина, чтобы украсть у ковбоев их демократию. Но, бдительный Маккейн в окопе, раскрыл коварный план, пошёл в атаку и перекусал всех медведей. Пришлось улететь, зализывать раны и ставить уколы.

  7. CNN Breaking News: Jake Tapper is reporting from multiple sources the Antonov An-124 Airlift is delivering Donald Trump tchotchkes. CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer further reports President Trump ordered the souvenirs to be manufactured in Russian gulags by Muslim refugees and starving slave children. Maxine Waters, in a CNN Exclusive interview w/British-Iranian Christiane Amanpour, said she is set to lead the Blue Ribbon Commission to visit Grozny, Chechen Republic, to investigate if the round-the-clock An-124 Airlift is a violation of the Emoluments Clause.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4367b47fe84f4c1c010a5e1087c04982a14912137e43b9482536768d0963ddc3.jpg

  9. James Comey says they are delivering voting machines for the next presidential election.

  10. OK. Why the big fuss over an aircraft manufactured in Ukraine landing is SFO then?

  11. They’re here ! They’re here ! Brilliant and feasible explanation. The remake of the film starring Donald Sutherland did it great justice.

  12. Error! There is no Russian manufacture! There is no Russian production – is the PRODUCTION of UKRAINE ! Manufacture Antonov, UKRAINE.

  13. Aytac Ercen-Your Error! There is no Russian manufacture! There is no Russian production – is the PRODUCTION of UKRAINE ! Manufacture Antonov, UKRAINE.

  14. How did you expect the Russians to transport the uranium stolen and gifted them from the Clintons?

  16. Living aboard an air-cargo plane must be boring as all get out after day 2.

  19. never punch out and drag off passengers to make room for the crew””==

    That’s funny I like that line. haha

  20. The Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft are delivering extraterrestrial ‘pods.’

    The pods originated from meteor impacts in Siberia. Pods search for new world to colonize and consume. For eons, pods float in space, propelled by the solar winds, some occasionally landing on inhabited planets.

    Pods replace the dominant species by spawning perfect, but emotionless replicas. The original human bodies disintegrate into dust once the duplication process is completed. Pods are akin to the now banned film, “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”

    Hillary Clinton (a replicant) has been instructed by her master, Vladimir Putin (also a replicant), to begin colonizing NorCal with pods. The An-124 delivered pods are settling in NorCal to replicate the replicate and replace the entire CIS-gendered, heteronormative, ‘White Privilege’ population of California.

    Clinton, under the ‘Clinton (Pod) Global Initiative,’ has marshalled the UN and covert Deep State resources. So far, Pod Master Putin (PMP) is pleased.

    Their pod initiative is dubbed, “Operation Snowflake.”

    Pre-WWII pod, Nancy Pelosi, was chosen specifically for the vacant personality, obtuse manners and absent cognition.

    Replicant spawning is conducted secretly in the newly-formed ‘Safe Spaces’ in the region’s colleges.

    Pods are parasitic liberals, just far more efficient. They rapidly consume all economic resources. No attention is given to the civilizations pods have destroyed or the vast resources they squander.

    NorCal pods may be found at boutique coffee shops, in limousines, at yoga studios, feminist lectures and global warming protests. Many pods pose as university professors, media professionals, politicians and journalists.

    There is only one thing certain that can counter and destroy pods: common sense.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/97c6f93d0a8eab33874ac7f36f1e7211370a0869d03fd393f4c6af77effc3007.jpg

  22. The Russians are transporting U.S. uranium fenced to them by the Clintons.

  23. Remember we had we had the Russians airlift a Heildelberg M1000 Folder from Paris to SFO, about 50 tons. Heildelberg received about a Million dollar bonus for early delivery of project completion. 18 years ago…

  24. Nothing new. Around 2000 I saw one landing at the San Bernardino Airport (formerly Norton AFB). At first I thought it was a C5 but then noticed the different tail. It was parked there for a couple of days.

  26. What s BS story…Talk of many stops but no mention of on or off loading. Could have been transformers to replace and backup what burnt a week ago… More info needed.

  28. Is Musk’s company in this area? He was talking about tunnel boring recently, it’s certainly possible he’s getting some Russian equipment in to get started on it.

  29. A UKRAINIAN Company with Ukrainian crews-not Russian. Some of their older 124’4 still have paratroop fold up seats from back when these beasts flew for Bernie Sander’s commies.
    Now, you will see this company loading over-sized freight all over the world. The planes have portable conveyors and winches and load through the tip up nose. They even lower the deck for ease on cargo handling. I have loaded several pieces of critical over-sized cargo on these planes at airports in the Southern U.S. Nothing sinister about these planes or crews. Plus, they never punch out and drag off passengers to make room for the crew….

  31. The AN-124 transports land at Moffett Field regularly and have for many, many years. It’s no mystery. They fly satellites and support equipment to Kazakhstan for launch by the Russians. I know of several project mangers, engineers and technicians that have made the trip. The Russian crews are very friendly, and they enjoy their stays in the US. If you want a conspiracy, go investigate Hillary.

  32. Not surprising, given that Russian commercial aircraft haven’t been as reliable as western aircraft in recent years. Their Ilyushins haven’t sold well to the western market.

  37. Someone should screw around with the Democrats and tell them that they’re delivering voting machines for the 2018 and 2020 elections. The sad thing is, some Democrats would believe it.

  38. Yes, that’s Strelnikov.

    Dropping off nukes to be delivered around the country. L.A., Chicago, Atlanta, etc.

  39. It’s common for companies to hire them used by these air freight companies to transport large equipment.

  40. When I was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, GA from 2005-2009 I saw these taking off from there quite often, presumably carrying equipment overseas.

  43. Finally going to get a look at all those missing Hillary emails. The plane has cases of them.

  46. Probably dropping off Syrian refugees. Only place in America where they are welcomed and protected.

  49. Volga-Dnepr is an airline base out of Ulyanovsk, Russia. It specializes in providing air charter services by operating a unique fleet of ten Antonov An-124 (largest production cargo aircraft), five Boeing 747-8F and five IL-76TD-90VD (Stage IV) ramp all cargo aircraft certified for global operations. It is a world leader in the global market for the movement of oversize, unique and heavy air cargo. Not complicated.

  50. Maybe they should have asked SFO’s largest tenant, United Airlines, they MIGHT have found that the 124’s were dropping off Jet Engines.,

  51. Until about three years ago they were a regular customer at the airport where I used to work

  53. I work at Portland (PDX) and that plane comes in often. Same one I saw while working at a NATO airbase in Afghanistan. Nothing to worry about. Just a big ass plane that carries a bunch of cargo for relatively cheap. Pretty cool to see up close actually. Hard to believe it even flys because it’s so massive.

  54. 408 is as far as the Russians got during the clean war But now with capitalism they are capable of 411 If they ever get to 420 the world as we know it will be changed forever

  55. Pease? Part of Pease is in Portsmouth. The runway may be 3 miles from downtown. Just played the golf course last week.

  56. So, a big plane lands at SFO. I wouldn’t fret it. It’s a giant payload of good vodka. And there’s nothing wrong with that. : P

  61. They drop off big stuff like wind electricity turbines…. the Antinov”s flew to Chile after the earthquakes…. to pick up the broken ones…flew back to europe for repair then flew the rebuilt ones back to Chile…the Antinov 124 … saved many people getting the functions of life back online……most likely the cargo is one small can of tomato soup…secured right in the middle…and that’s the story of the Ukrainian airplane loved by the Russian’s and working for us ….. They fly so much oilfield equipment it’s not even funny….. most likely you have Dive equipment that keeps Americans alive….. Ahh..Ahh.. The Russians are Comming, The Russians are coming…ahhh the humanity

  64. It was them cargo-contractors from Russia help the United States (under Hussein 0bama policies) mass-immigrate shipments of military-aged-male Syrians and Africans into our land… They don’t call it a “sanctuary city” for NOTHING, right?…

  66. The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming! Didn’t they hack our elections?

  67. The chair is against the wall. The chair is against the wall. John has a long mustache. John has a long mustache.

  68. One flew over my house about three years ago north of Detroit Metro DTW…thought it was a C-5 until I hit Flight Aware. That was sweet, being a planespotter/photog…

  69. I saw one a while back at Pease international tradeport in New Hampshire- the old Pease Air Force base.

  70. As others have pointed out, unlike the US built Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, the Russian’s have permitted the Antonov-124 to be sold to non military private commercial purchasers. Making it one of the largest and most flexible purpose built cargo aircraft currently in private service. Just as the similar function Lockheed C-130 is not an unusual sight in private service throughout the world.

  71. Show me a picture of a plane bearing the ISIS flag on it, then i’ll begin to worry. Russians are welcome.

  73. Very common. They are available worldwide to countries or businesses that need to transport over sized cargo. We would not think it odd for a FEDEX 747 cargo jet sitting at a Russian or Chinese airport. Same thing here. Just a cargo plane that happens to be Russian. In fact the US government has contracted to use this plane to bring the fuselage of the Navy plane that was forced to land at Hainan Island in China.

  76. I saw an earlier comment from someone about the interior and how the Americans are closely watched when on board. I can definitely confirm that. Additionally, we also had a US military “monitor” flying with the cargo. The crews can live on these things for weeks, but what can you expect for an old military plane in regards to decor. There are 2 separate living quarters one in the front for the flight crew and one in the back for the loading techs. That was our home. We use to bring our own 409 and cleaning supplies to clean the bathrooms.

  79. 747 is Dreamlifter, Airbus is the Beluga one. 124 isn’t that big. 225 Mriya – that’s one big motherfucking plane

  80. Antonov’s are Ukranian made, not Russian. They “sail” under the Russian flag.

  82. We have no idea what is going on! I have seen in last week C-17 Globemaster 3 landing in Phoenix at Sky Harbor Airport.
    Something is going on, something this way wicked comes.

  83. Shouldn’t be difficult to see what’s being loading into that monster.

  84. correct but that doesn’t mean they have to stop to refuel. Cargo aircraft are unable to fly as far due to weight. As they carry more weight they have to stop to refuel more often. A satellite shipment from LAX to the Cosmodrome needs to refuel at ANC and Newfoundland before getting to Russia airspace for yet another stop for clearance to Baikonur. A passenger aircraft can make that trip non-stop.

  85. You poor thing! Run over to MSNBC. They STILL have Hillary up by 5 and project NO path through the electoral college for Trump. You’ll feel better.

  86. The term conspiracy theorist seems to always be used by what Stalin called, useful idiots. Too bad I’m not a sociopath…so much low hanging fruit in the world.

  87. Waiting for their donation refund from the Clinton Foundation and demanding cash on skids like the pellet load Obama sent to Iran.

  90. Why can’t we seem to build these things?

    Not enough demand (no, seriously). The 747 Beluga is the closest you’re likely to see any time soon.

  92. Nice try Denise! Ukraine built them but, but the 224s now belong to Russia. Not sure who owns the AN 225.

  94. Years ago I saw one fly in to an airport in Connecticut. They loaded 5 Blackhawk helicopters in to it and it took off within 2 hours.

  96. The AN-124 is a great design and one that is by any standard perfect for its function. the Russians might not get a lot right, but in this they did it correct. Any Boeing refit to be a freighter is just that , but this one is perfect for doing heavy lift of cargo. with the route that was posted I might think that Ferrari’s might have been in there.

  99. Beg to differ. They closed up in September 2017. They only built one AN225, which is in high demand in the USA. ((Why can’t we seem to build these things?) I have no knowledge that antonov is back in profuction. What is your source?

  100. Not seeing you presenting any facts to back up your fiction. Now stop drooling on your keyboard and go get my french fries.

  102. Waiting to load 20% of our uranium and waiting to load up a refund of cash they donated to the Clinton Foundation for influence after Hillary FAILED to be elected President.

  104. Much to do about nothing. Aircraft is Russian manufacture, just like Boeing is an American product. It is not such a rare sight to see a Boeing aircraft anywhere in the world including at Moscow airport or in Tehran. Why such fuss about a Russian manufactured aircraft landing at an airport in California? As a matter of fact Antonov is unique in its cargo carrying capabilities. There are items shipped all over the world only an Antonov could carry. They may be doing contract work carrying very large items for any one of California’s defense industry companies. BFD

  106. $400K for Barack Hussein compliments of Wall Street in exchange for a 30 minute painfully boring “speech”.

  107. LOL! More evidence that dopey dims (D) will believe any delusional duncery that dipchit democrats dispense!

  108. Actually I just checked and they’re here to pick up the Uranium that Hillary sold them… and drop off another check for Bill Clinton for his last speech there… or was it Podesta? I’m not sure on that last one, though.

  110. Well except they have no control over any Uranium in the USA- well unless Trump gave it to them, as a thanks for their election help!

    Seems that you self called conservatives cannot separate fact from fiction

  111. N the Ruskies are now the Conservatives BFF, they are delivering more voting machines for the GOP

  112. CA is enemy territory, so the Ruskies are probably there adding Commies into the local SF sludge

  113. Probably filled with Zuckerberg’s weekly ration of Stolichniya and Buluga caviar….

  114. Boeing has used them to deliver aircraft engines to Boeing Field. Any cargo delivered internationally would have to go through a POE

  115. It’s not uncommon to see them at Moffett Field as well.
    ISS parts, satellite tech…you name it, they haul it.

  116. I believe the US Army also chartered with these guys to haul MRAPs into A-stan, cause we didn’t have the lift capacity to do it ourselves.

  117. No Mystery!!!……These A/C capable of lifting Large or very heavy Loads Travel World Wide and hopefully, the Owner can keep them busy and constantly on the Move or in the Air making Money……they probably delivered a bunch of secret stuff for GOOGLE!!!!!

  118. Hilary claims they are delivering voting machines for midterm elections.

  120. I’m surprised that someone is not camping out at the airport to take pictures of what is being loaded and possibly follow the vehicle who delivered it back to where it came from and do other investigating…..

  121. Pure capitalism.
    You pay.
    We fly.
    Anything, Anywhere.

  122. Maybe they can pick up Colbert, fly him over to Russia and let Putin take care of him

  123. These planes are parked at Moffett Field all the time. Parked right next to the google planes. Lots of Soviet Union soldiers carry hammmers and sickles too. Wow, is that Goldfinger ???

  124. Well Mark, start wrapping your head around it. a Charger Locomotive, made by Siemens in Sacramento, California weights @ 120 tons and could fit quite nicely in a AN-124

  126. edmitc:
    Saw one of these AN-124s at the airport in Rockford, IL when I was working as an A&P mechanic there. You’re correct that these aircraft, to include the AN-225, are contract haulers for anyone needing their unique capabilities. Non-story, sure.

  128. Wow what a mystery to have cargo planes at an airport dun dun dun unless Trump is smuggling something for Putin dun dun dun

  130. My guess is Apple. Those planes are great for transporting materials that are vitally needed to keep projects on schedule when the company purchasing the materials has no financial limitations. Apple has that huge new headquarters building they are trying to finish. My company used one of those planes once under similar circumstances.

  132. Mods will not let u post anything about p o d e s t a….and Ru…lol

  133. They fly in and out of Boeing Field, hauling cargo, all the time. This is a non story except to conspiracy theorists.

  134. It’s picking up their 23 percent allotment of U.S. Uranium, they now have rights to, and taking it back to rusky land. Thanks to Hillary and Bill Clinton, of course (And Rosatom and Uranium1).

    Funny how liberals are not concerned about how the Clinton foundation received hundreds of millions of dollars, from Russian “Donors”, who now have 23 percent of our Uranium rights in the U.S., but if Trump puts Russian Salad dressing on his Veggies they poop their pants.
    Smh …

  135. True. The An-124 has been flying to/from multiple U.S. sites for several years. Volga-Dnepr (the flight ops arm of the Ukrainian Antonov Design Bureau) apparently does a pretty good job at hauling gigatrash; at least it has been able to keep its head above water and away from the clutches of Ratface Putin.

    For something really unique, every now and then the An-225 “Mrya” (“Dream”) can be found, sometimes pre-announced, sometimes not announced.

  136. Picking up their 23 percent allotment of U.S. Uranium they now have rights to, and taking it back to rusky land. Thanks to Hillary and Bill Clinton, of course (And Rosatom and Uranium1).

    Funny how liberals are not concerned about how the Clinton foundation received hundreds of millions of dollars, from Russian “Donors”, for the Clinton Foundation, and now they have 23 percent of our Uranium rights, but if Trump puts Russian Salad dressing on his Veggies they shit their pants.

  137. Funny how “sanctions” work when our industry would suffer from them.

  138. Antanov is making planes again after a disruption due to the Russian invasion. They never stopped providing parts or service. They also make the largest airplane , the A225 which has 6 engines.

  139. The Russians are coming the Russians are coming. Really they removed my post its back!

  140. First of all, there have been no “Soviets” since 1991. Secondly they have a very well developed aircraft industry. Lastly 4 engines, wings and a fuselage is the only thing it has in common with the C-5. As a matter of fact these things can deliver cargo to places the C-5 could only dream of. I think we would have been better off copying THEIR design! 😀

  141. I have seen these planes on and off at Sacramento over the years, no big deal. Just the media trying to keep Russia on the conspiracy radar.

  143. I must have a bad picture because i don’t see any landing gear. as I recall, they have massive gear.

  144. Kinda like when I was in the USAF. Got called out to a C-130, climbed aboard and there was a UH-1 (Huey) sitting in it 🙂

  145. Overseas customers. Many developing nations rely heavily on rail transport as the only common widespread means of transportation infrastructure. They need to get the locomotives from somewhere. So they may buy GE or GM from North America and fly them over. These days it can work out cheaper and more efficient than loading them on a ship.

  147. When I was working at Boeing Everett these were a regular sight there. Even Boeing hires the Russians to haul Dreamliner parts on a regular basis. They are the only ones in the world flying true large cargo aircraft. Closes thing the west has for commercial cargo is the 747 Freighter. This however needs a large support footprint to load and unload. The AN-124 simply flies in, opens the front and back and you can drive off and on….trucks forklifts you name it. It even has its own cranes inside to help load.

    Closest thing on the western civilian market for ease of loading and unloading is the C-130. The C-5 was never built for the civilian market. Even if they were, the AN-124 is still slightly larger and also has that internal crane.

  148. As someone who works in chemical industry I’ve seen them frequently coming by picking up Uranium. Considering 25% of our stockpile was sold, they have been here regularly the last few years.

  149. I’ve seen these from time to time at Alliance airport north of Fort Worth, TX.

  151. Considering their state airline, Aeroflot, owns Boeing aircraft as part of their fleet, probably not so much….

  152. Well, the reason they’re there now is that I started flying the AN-124 and 225 into and out of KSFO on a regular basis in my flight simulator about a year ago. So reality is finally catching up; Except that I am usually hauling a Russian Space Shuttle on top of my 225 in the sim, so keep an eye out – It could get interesting!

  155. I’m sure they will haul most anything you want moved. From Japan, maybe car parts?

  156. Last time I saw a lot of these aircraft was during 2003 Iraq war. Someone hired them to haul war materials into Bahrain.

  158. Volga-Dnepr is a commercial air transport company. They use the AN-124 a LOT.

  159. Clearly Trump is smuggling in Russian Commandos in preparation for the overthrow of our government to finalize the takeover of the US by Supreme Chancellor Putin. Wake up, sheeple!

  161. Yes, I saw this plane parked at SFO while taxiing on Sunday April 30th ….

  162. GRAMMAR LESSON: Dear Author. Learn the difference between “It’s” and “Its”.

    And it’s wingspan is a bit narrower: => And it is wingspan is a bit narrower.

  163. These land at Paine field in Everett WA quite often. One landed last night and is still here. They cover for Boeing parts overflow when all the Dreamlifters are busy.

  164. Easy answer here. The An-124, with it’s large freight forwarding ability, gets contracted out in the U.S. pretty routinely to move uniquely sized items anywhere in the world. It’s the only commercial airlifter aircraft of its kind, so it gets very unique orders for very unique items needing movement.

  169. Space Systems Loral in Sunnyvale charters these cargo planes to transport satellites to their launch sites for deployment into space.

  170. This is not a mystery at all, as some folks have already said, the jets are contracted out by who ever can afford it. Our Own USAF has used them several times to carry equipment overseas. So calm down, go to your safe space and breath deep..

  173. I bet Russians in Moscow have the same reaction whenever they see a Boeing aircraft…..

  174. I hope it’s a planeload of Spetznaz troops coming to hunt down, abduct, and take so-called “comedian” Stephan Colbert back to Russia to stand trial for insulting Putin. Hey, put a reward on his head and I’ll point him out myself. He’s guilty of being very unfunny.

  175. “They don’t fly very far without having to be refueled so that is why you see so many stops and routes over the Arctic”

    Every plane flies routes over the Arctic when it is shorter.

  179. Yes i have seen it. They have been
    Flying in large quantities of botox
    For all three of the Clintons.
    No other aircraft can carry that much.

  180. They fly all over the country hauling aircraft engines or any other heavy cargo. I’ve seen them at CMH when I’m delivering jet fuel. They’ve been seen at CVG and other airfields. Not a big deal. Cool to look at if it’s something you don’t see everyday.

  183. They are normally used to move large items, pretty normal sight here in Wichita moving wing for aircraft assemblies

  185. Putin needs another shipment of Uranium from Clinton Foundation to resell to Iran.

  187. There is one landing right now in Tulsa ok. Big deal they are contracted carriers. Not just because of size. . hell fed ex uses them in crhistmas rush to help deliver parcels.. cause all other airlines are booked solid. I am a plane spotter in Toronto and have seen many of these. Even Russian military An-124 picking up equipment. . But also the 124s bigger sister Mriya. The antanov 225 Worlds largest plane… your
    making alot put of nothing with theseveral sightings

  192. I’ve seen them there and at the airport in Detroit. They’re a little larger than the C5M Galaxy, and except for the tailplane, they look identical. They’re a good plane.

  193. No different than a Japanese flag on a Boeing aircraft owned or leased by a Japanese airline.

  194. Of course, you mean, the white male, bitter tea drinkers, with guns and bibles, who are flakes! Yeah, lots of them around.
    The GOP are going to need them hackable for the next election.

    Thanks for the babble.

  196. They will probably cannibalize them until the fleet is depleted. Soviets don’t have the material technology the US has so these planes are heavy and have frequent stress cracks. The design was copied/stolen from our C-5 Galaxy

  197. She’d say any of that — because it’s a slam against Trump. She’s part of “The Resistance” you know. “Truth” is a secondary issue, at best.

  198. My employer contracts with An-124 operators to carry Rolls Royce Trent engines for our 777 aircraft. We may have to change an engine anywhere we fly, if damaged. And, our overhauled engines have to be shipped and stored afield. That would include SFO.
    – AAL mechanic

  199. Maybe it’s a new load of voting machines….! Snowflakes beware…!!

  202. Someone mentioned Ukrainian Airline. Ah they have a Russian Flag painted on it’s tail.

  203. Why would she say any of that? As it is not true.
    How will you guarantee this and what will you do if you fail? Beyond seeming stupid as usual.
    Well, she does know more about most every things then you ever will.
    And unlike you, and those on FOX news, she is willing and able to learn what she does not know.

  204. As the article above alluded, these are leased aircraft used to transport large out-sized cargo. The oil industry uses them to move large oil rig components. Many of you may remember when the a P-3 was forced down on a Chinese island several years ago. We sent crew to remove the wings and the entire plane was loaded onto an AN-124 and flown back to Lockheed for repairs and return to service.

  208. The preferred mode of international equipment transportation for many concert and theatrical tours..

  209. This is all interesting because the Antonov is a Ukrainian company, which stopped making planes last September. the company cannot get parts for its existing planes. Don’t know where Moscow gets parts for its Antonovs.

  210. wouldn’t you like the tire franchise on the fleet of these things? I suppose the leftists and McCainGrahamites of our country would rather have a war rather than the opportunity to sell these folks Good ol American Goodyear tires. Personally I look at Russia as a place where there are about 220,000,000 consumers with beautiful women who know the difference, and unlimited natural resources. Every old dried up hippy in SFO should be able to think “Make Love, Not War.” Works for me!

  211. Ever notice that the first posters to a new story ANYWHERE is almost always a political jackass?( from either side) Almost seems like its a staged effort. The Illuminati maybe? Or Federal Reserve? Or the Masons? Oh I know, its the tea party’s secret terrorist group!

  213. Why don’t you ask rachel madcow? I absolutely Guarantee you that she’ll link Trump and Putin to these flights for some nefarious reasons. Maybe they’re bring in Russian voting machines?, huh rachel?

  214. How dare he ? We are only OK with Mexican and Chinese takeover, because reasons …

  215. Having lived in the New Orleans, LA area – these planes were see frequently at the Stennis Airport,
    which is adjacent to the NASA Stennis Space Center (perform engine testing). It is a fact that the aircraft is Russian, and operated by a Russian operator, but it is a commercial “for hire” carrier. It is hired by U.S. and foreign companies and governments to fly oversized cargo.

  216. I believe I’ve seen these at Moffitt Field as well (not far from SFO). Moffitt is a Nasa and ANG base. Google rents space there as well.

  217. Excellent! Thanks for your informed reply, Brit! Very interesting. I wonder if they are going to be regular visitors to SFO or if this is some sort of big project. With the airport saying that they are all here for the same bay area company, it makes me wonder….Thanks again!

  218. Know all about the AN-124 and have been in them several times. Many of them are military conversions. They handle all the satellites to Baikonur. You’ll see them at Moffett Field on occasion as well for satellites. They don’t fly very far without having to be refueled so that is why you see so many stops and routes over the Arctic. The cargo plane market is pretty weak right now and I’m sure VD is doing whatever they can to undercut the regular commercial cargo business. They are known for being cut throat and attempting to go around the normal channels to get business. Also, it is about interior dimensions and there are limited planes which can handle large containers. They are slightly larger than a C-5 and that is why they have to be used in certain situations. There is very limited cargo aircraft directly in/out of SFO anymore. During their peak, it was very difficult to book one 3 or 4 months out without having to pay a premium, mostly due to the Gulf war, as they were the regular work horse moving military equipment in and out.

  219. They fly in and out of Kinston all the time. Flew right over my house on Monday.

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