Antonov Halts Work on An-225 Mriya Aircraft Until Hostilities Cease
The Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer Antonov Company has temporarily suspended its efforts to rebuild the An-225 Mriya, the world's largest aircraft, after completing urgent restoration work. The company plans to resume reconstruction after the end of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to sources from Ekonomichna Pravda.
Antonov conducted a thorough diagnosis of the damage to the An-225, which was destroyed by Russian troops in February 2022. The swift inspection was necessary to salvage any remaining components. Currently, Antonov has redirected its resources to state-prioritized projects.
The restoration effort was funded by a $3 million Mriya restoration fund. Much of this financing came from the sale of add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator, which featured the An-225 aircraft. Microsoft contributed the proceeds from these sales under the condition that the funds would be used for the plane's reconstruction.
The final cost of building a new An-225 remains uncertain. It will depend on whether Antonov can source parts from Russian Ruslan aircraft located in Germany and Canada, which could serve as donors for the new Mriya.