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Antonov An-124 Ruslan

The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is the largest commercially available freighter on the Mexico charter market, and the only aircraft that can move an outsize industrial load (power turbines, mining equipment, an assembled helicopter) in a single flight without disassembly.

The An-124 was designed and built by Antonov in the Soviet era as a strategic military transport, and commercial operators have kept the type in revenue service since the 1990s. Four Lotarev D-18T high-bypass turbofans, a cargo hold capable of accepting loads up to 150 tonnes, a cruise around 459 knots, and a range of roughly 2,430 nautical miles with a significant payload. Every Antonov An-124 Ruslan we arrange flies with an operator certificated under FAR Part 135, the FAA rules for on-demand, for-hire charter.

Antonov An-124 Ruslan cargo aircraft for Mexico private jet charter

Performance and Cabin

  • Category: Cargo Aircraft
  • Manufacturer: Antonov ASTC
  • Year introduced: 1986
  • Seating: Crew only (cargo)
  • Crew: 6
  • Range: 2,430 nautical miles
  • Cruise speed: 459 knots
  • Service ceiling: 39,400 feet
  • Length: 226.7 feet
  • Wingspan: 240.5 feet
  • Height: 68.2 feet
  • Baggage volume: 36,680 cubic feet
  • Lavatory: Crew only

Why the Antonov An-124 Ruslan Fits Mexico

Mexico’s energy sector drives most An-124 demand in the region. Power plant components, oil and gas equipment bound for offshore operations in the Gulf, and mining machinery headed inland to Sonora or Zacatecas are the loads that end up on the quote sheet. Nothing else in the freighter fleet can replicate its hold dimensions or its ramp-and-drive-on loading geometry.

Monterrey and Guadalajara are the most common Mexican operating bases for heavy industrial freight of this kind. Both have long runways and established cargo handling, and both sit at the center of manufacturing regions that generate and receive outsize equipment regularly. Toluca is an option for Mexico City-area deliveries, with the operator factoring elevation into the departure weight.

An-124 operations need significant lead time. Operator permitting through AFAC (Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil), the Mexican civil aviation authority, and coordination with a qualified local handling agent for ramp clearance and documentation are part of every flight at this size.

Vetting Behind Every Trip

Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:

  • FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
  • Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
  • Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
  • Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.

Charter Pricing Reference

Industry hourly rates for the Antonov An-124 Ruslan run $25,000 to $35,000 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.

Other Cargo Aircrafts Available

The full cargo aircrafts category page lists every cargo aircraft we arrange for Mexico departures.

Contact

For a quote on a Antonov An-124 Ruslan charter in or out of Mexico, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.

The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.