In the next instalment of our senior executive interview series, Maksym Sanotskyi, deputy general director of air transportation and flight testing at Antonov Airlines shares insight on how the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has impacted the cargo carrier’s operations, the company’s strategic responses to customer demands, and how it aims to leverage its strengths to stay competitive.
How are global economic conditions affecting the air cargo industry, and what implications does this have for Antonov Airlines?
The global economy is continually shaped by various factors, and the ongoing war in Ukraine is one of the most significant. The conflict, including the occupation of the Hostomel airfield by Russian forces – which led to the destruction of the airport’s infrastructure and several Antonov Airlines planes – has profoundly impacted our operations.
In early 2022, we had to evacuate part of our personnel abroad and temporarily relocate our AN-124-100 fleet to a new base where maintenance could be carried out. We are deeply grateful to the management of Leipzig/Halle Airport for their support and for allowing us to use their infrastructure during this challenging time. Although it took some time to adjust our operations to these new circumstances, Antonov Airlines now operates seamlessly, providing uninterrupted service 24/7, 365 days a year.
Our flight schedule is highly demanding, reflecting the niche market we serve – transporting oversized and ultra-heavy cargo. The increased demand for our services can also be attributed to the sanctions imposed by the international community on the aggressor nation. As a result of these measures, Antonov Airlines currently faces little competition.
In a highly competitive market, what differentiates Antonov Airlines from other major players in the industry?
What sets us apart is our fleet of unique AN-124-100 ‘Ruslan’ aircraft, capable of transporting cargo up to 150 tonnes – something no other aircraft can achieve. In fact, some companies design their products with the Ruslan’s cargo hold dimensions in mind. For instance, certain satellite containers are specifically manufactured to fit within our aircraft, with the intention of using them for their projects.
Another crucial aspect of our operations is the ongoing collaboration with the experts at Antonov Company, the aircraft’s developer. The transport missions we undertake are often unique and demand a tailored approach. This can involve designing custom equipment for transportation, selecting the optimal temperature conditions, and developing the most efficient flight routes. Additionally, our specialists are continually working on the improvement and modernisation of the Ruslan, ensuring it meets all international standards and regulations.
What major trends do you foresee impacting the air cargo industry in the next five to 10 years?
Firstly, it’s important to highlight the rapid growth of the global aerospace industry. With increasing international collaboration, the demand for transporting components for the space sector and delivering satellites to launch sites is on the rise.
Additionally, there is typically a strong demand for cargo transportation in humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. Conflicts, unfortunately, also drive certain trends. The escalation of military conflicts in various regions compels other nations to bolster their defence capabilities, which includes the development, purchase, repair, and transportation of military equipment.
How is Antonov Airlines leveraging advancements in digitalisation to optimise operations and drive efficiency?
First and foremost, we focus on enhancing and optimising our customer service and the technical capabilities of our air transportation. For instance, we are developing a cargo monitoring system for in-flight use. This is especially crucial when transporting cargo sensitive to temperature and atmospheric pressure. By controlling the conditions inside the cabin, cargo owners can monitor any changes and make timely adjustments during the transportation process. We’ve already successfully implemented some of these features and continue to test and integrate new ones into our operations.
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What are the key areas of investment for Antonov Airlines over the next few years?
A key future priority, requiring substantial investment, is the reconstruction of our base airfield, ‘Kyiv-Antonov-2,’ in Hostomel. We have already developed a concept to expand the airport’s functionality to support test flights, cargo transport, and passenger services.
Currently, while we are temporarily based at Leipzig/Halle Airport, we are focused on developing a hangar complex to facilitate all types of maintenance and modernisation for the Antonov Airlines fleet.
How are your customer expectations changing, and what steps is Antonov Airlines taking to meet and exceed these expectations?
Cargo safety during loading, unloading, and transportation is a top priority for our customers. Timely completion of each mission is equally critical, as production schedules, contracts, and sometimes even lives or the well-being of entire regions depend on the cargo we transport. Antonov Airlines is committed to fulfilling our obligations fully, safely, and on time, and our flight safety system is continuously being enhanced.
Another key aspect of our service is our strong customer orientation. Most of our clients come to us with unique cargo needs, and we work closely with them to understand every detail of their requirements. We offer not just transportation but also consultations and, when necessary, collaborate on the development of custom frames and fasteners for the cargo. We share the same commitment to the mission’s success as our customers, and we always go the extra mile to ensure it.
Can you discuss Antonov Airlines’ efforts towards sustainability and how you are addressing environmental concerns within the industry?
The Antonov Company, which our airline is a part of, is the developer of the AN-124-100, the cornerstone of our fleet. The company is continuously focused on improving and modernising this aircraft to meet international standards for airworthiness and environmental sustainability. One key area of this effort is our collaboration with the developers of the D-18T engines, aiming to upgrade them to reduce harmful emissions and noise levels.
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What are the key regulatory challenges facing the air cargo industry today, and how is Antonov Airlines navigating these complexities?
As we operate in the international market, we continuously monitor and research new standards and requirements for aircraft, making the necessary improvements to stay ahead. This proactive approach enables us to maintain productive operations and consistently fulfill our obligations.
What are some of the biggest challenges that Antonov Airlines faces as a leader in the air cargo industry, and how do you address them?
The biggest challenges we’ve faced stem from the need to reorient our operations due to the Russian Federation’s military aggression, which prompted our move to Leipzig. While we can now perform aircraft maintenance at our new base at Leipzig/Halle Airport, our production facilities and head office remain in Ukraine. This makes timely transportation of all necessary components crucial for maintaining our aircraft’s airworthiness. Over the past two years, we’ve successfully established and stabilised our logistics to meet this challenge. The key lesson we’ve learned is the importance of always having multiple contingency plans in place.
Where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth in the air cargo sector, and how is Antonov Airlines positioned to capitalise on these opportunities?
Currently, we leverage every opportunity available in the market, including transporting satellites that no other aircraft can handle, as well as managing complex project cargo. By introducing the unique AN-124-100 aircraft, Antonov Airlines effectively created a niche in the air transportation of super-heavy and oversized cargo, where this aircraft remains unrivaled. We continue to enhance our technical capabilities in response to market demand, and we are also actively working on expanding our fleet.
What are the main goals of Antonov Airlines for the remainder of 2024?
Our primary goals for the end of the year are to fully meet our commitments to customers. This includes ensuring timely aircraft maintenance, training our crews, and participating in the development of specialised equipment for cargo transportation. We aim to maintain our position as the operator of the world’s largest cargo aircraft and continue our role in the market. We are also actively engaged in the global initiative to replace Russian components with Western alternatives, and we are making significant progress in this area.
Given the ongoing conflict in our country, we are dedicated to doing everything possible to support Ukraine’s victory over the Russian invader. This remains the foremost goal for all Ukrainians.
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