In September, the Times-Picayune newspaper featured an article titled “Watch one of the world’s largest planes coming in for a landing at New Orleans International Airport (MSY).” The aircraft in question was the famous Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a rare sight in this part of the country, making it an exciting opportunity for aviation enthusiasts like myself.
The Antonov AN-124 is a massive, four-engine strategic airlift aircraft designed in the 1980s by the Antonov Design Bureau, which was based in Ukraine at the time, part of the Soviet Union. Today, Volga-Dnepr Airlines, based in Ulyanovsk, Russia, operates a fleet of these heavy-lift aircraft for hire, with twelve Antonov AN-124s certified for global operations.
It took a few days to discover that the AN-124 was waiting in New Orleans for its next assignment. I proposed a joint effort with a few fellow photographers to capture this rare aircraft, and we quickly agreed that photographing it on the ground wouldn't be enough—we wanted to capture it in flight. We learned that the AN-124 was scheduled to depart around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, but as the day progressed, the departure time shifted to 6:00 p.m.
Using the aircraft's registration number and the FlightAware app, we tracked the updates and reviewed potential photo locations on Google Maps. After an early start to scout the area, we arrived in New Orleans, ready for the big moment. The larger cargo aircraft typically took off from runway 11 to the east, so we positioned ourselves on the east side of the airfield, carefully choosing the best angles for the shots. As the takeoff time approached, we split up to get into position.
After the plane took off, we regrouped to share our experiences over a delicious New Orleans dinner. We all agreed that collaborating had yielded the best results, and the Antonov chase turned out to be a memorable adventure. We not only captured exciting images but also created lasting memories from this rare and remarkable experience.
The Antonov AN-124 Condor departs during the golden hour from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Designed in the 1980s by the Antonov Design Bureau in the Ukrainian SSR, then part of the Soviet Union (USSR), the Condor is a large, strategic airlift aircraft with four engines. Its first flight took place in December 1982, marking the beginning of an era for one of the largest cargo aircraft ever built.
The Antonov AN-124 Condor departs Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in the golden light of Louisiana. The AN-124 remains the largest military transport aircraft in the world, renowned for its immense size and capability to carry oversized cargo across vast distances.
The Antonov AN-124 Condor raises its landing gear on departure. Volga-Dnepr Airlines, based in Ulyanovsk, Russia, operates a distinctive fleet that includes twelve Antonov AN-124s, the largest production cargo aircraft in the world, along with five Boeing 747-8F and five IL-76TD-90VD cargo aircraft. The airline provides specialized air charter services, transporting heavy and oversized cargo globally.
This Volga-Dnepr Airlines Antonov AN-124 Condor is one of fifty-five built by the Antonov Design Bureau. Based in Ukraine, the Antonov Design Bureau is renowned for its expertise in manufacturing very large aircraft capable of operating from unprepared runways, making it a leader in the field of heavy cargo transportation.
This Volga-Dnepr Airlines Antonov AN-124 Condor is one of fifty-five built by the Antonov Design Bureau. Antonov has constructed approximately 22,000 aircraft, with thousands of its planes still in operation across the former Soviet Union and developing countries, showcasing the company’s legacy in global aviation.