http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o8p1kFnjqU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o8p1kFnjqU

An-22 is landing on unpaved runway

In December 2016 AN-22 Antei (UR 09307) transport aircraft of "Antonov Airlines" fulfilled the program of cargoes transportation from Europe to the Republic of Mali.

As a total, 39 flights of 141 hours were performed, 246 tonnes of cargo were carried.

At that, the aircraft landed seven times at unpaved runway of Gao airport, Mali.

None of other aircraft able to be based at strips of such quality, including the AN-12, C-130, Il-76, would not be able to carry more cargo compared to the An-22.

The Customer appreciated transport capabilities of the AN-22 and intended to continue this operation in January 2017.

On 14th of January 2017 in Mali of West Africa set new record aircraft Antonov An-22 Antei - cargo airplane with payload of 60 000 kg.

Restored in 2016 Antonov An-22 Antei managed to land on unpaved airfield in desert of Mali. Aircraft delivered goods for mission of United Nations in Mali.

Crew of Antonov An-22 Antei lead by experienced pilot Viktor Goncharov. Land at airfield in the desert of Republic of Mali was extremely difficult as the runway is dirt and bumpy.

From the height it is difficult to determine the airfield and it has no landing systems and signs.
European carriers have refused to land their aircrafts in that airfiled after several unsuccessful attempts accompanied by breakages.

Antonov An-22 Antei already seven times flew from Leipzig, Germany to Republic of Mali bringing 250 tonnes of goods for UN mission.

One flight with refueling takes around 10 hours.

The aircraft is indispensable in an environment where the airfield is actually dirt so air carriers call it "King of Off Road".