Antonov Airlines has transported a communications satellite from the USA to French Guiana, for aerospace and defence manufacturer Orbital ATK.
The Ukraine-headquartered airline, which recently opened its first US office in Houston, Texas, carried the 23-tonne Al Yah 3 satellite within a bespoke container measuring 11.4 m long, 4.6 m wide and 4.1 m high, onboard an AN-124-100 aircraft.
Amnon Ehrlich, director sales - North America, at Antonov Airlines, said: "Due to the size and weight of the cargo, we used a low-profile ramp system - specifically designed and manufactured by Antonov Company for the satellite and space transportation sector, to safely and efficiently load and offload the satellite."
As part of its ongoing global expansion, Antonov has also recently established an office in London, UK.