GAC Logistics UK welcomed an Antonov An-225 Mriya, the world’s largest aircraft, to the UK at Nottingham East Midlands Airport.
“It is really exciting to see the Antonov at East Midlands,” said Bronwyn Mead, Manager of GAC Logistics’ East Midlands branch. “The aircraft was originally designed to carry the Russian Space Shuttle. However, with the scaling down of the Russian space programme, the Antonov is now used commercially for out of gauge and specialist movements.”
The 84-metre long Antonov An-225 Mriya was chartered to return sound and stage equipment from the first annual “This Day” festival staged in Lagos to mark the 46th anniversary of Nigerian independence.
Event organiser Ola Joshua said the two day extravaganza was the biggest event to be hosted in Africa and easily the number one music event anywhere in the world this year. Stars of the show included internationally-acclaimed artists like Beyonce, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg, who appeared on stage alongside a host of top Nigerian entertainers.
Volumes and timescale
“We needed to charter an aircraft of such dimensions because of the sheer volume of equipment and the critical timescales we were facing,” says Martin Corr from Sound Moves, who partnered GAC in this transportation operation.
“The ‘This Day’ festival was a massive event held in the glare of the world’s publicity spotlight - there was absolutely no margin for error. We chose GAC Logistics to clear the return of the equipment to the UK because our two companies always work well together to meet the needs of the music industry.”
About the GAC Group
The GAC Group (GAC) is the world’s largest independent shipping, logistics and marine services provider, with over 250 offices worldwide.
Established in 1956, GAC’s core business covers three key areas – shipping, logistics and marine services. The GAC brand reflects value for money, quality, continuity, innovation and global reach.
GAC employs more than 7,000 people worldwide. The GAC Group corporate head office is in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
For more information about GAC, visit www.gacworld.com
About GAC Logistics
GAC Logistics specialises in a full range of supply chain and logistics solutions. These include air and sea freight, warehousing and distribution, road transportation, project logistics, global marine logistics, and international moving and courier services.
GAC Logistics operates an integrated worldwide network, serving international manufacturers, distributors and retailers from the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), textiles, pharmaceutical, automotive, electronics and entertainment, as well as the oil and gas industries.
