Antonov Airlines, working in partnership with logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel, has completed the urgent transport of oversized woodyard machinery for ANDRITZ, moving the equipment from Tallinn, Estonia, to Chile aboard the AN-124-100. The complex operation supported scheduled repair works at a Chilean woodworking mill and required meticulous planning to meet strict shutdown timelines.
The shipment comprised seven outsized pieces of equipment, the heaviest weighing approximately 20 tonnes. Due to the scale and dimensions of the cargo, the operation relied on the AN-124’s rear cargo door, specialised loading systems, and onboard cranes—capabilities that make the aircraft uniquely suited for heavy-lift industrial transport.
Antonov Airlines’ load planning team engineered the solutions needed to secure and position the machinery safely within the aircraft’s cargo hold. Their expertise ensured that all components were accommodated efficiently while meeting stringent safety requirements.
“We’re proud to share the successful completion of a complex air transportation project using the An-124 aircraft,” said Iryna Kyianytsia, Commercial Executive at Antonov Airlines. “This operation presented significant logistical challenges, but our dedicated team and crew executed it flawlessly. A special recognition goes to our load planning team, whose expertise ensured every piece was safely accommodated. This achievement underscores both the capabilities of the An-124 and the professionalism of everyone involved.”
The machinery played a critical role in essential repair work at the Chilean mill, making timely delivery non-negotiable. “The parts were critical for the repair works and needed to get fast to the mill for the scheduled shutdown period,” added Tiina Penttilä, Vice President of Logistics at ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper. “This particular delivery required specialist planning to ensure the oversized equipment was handled with extreme care and delivered on time.”
The success of the mission reflects the coordinated efforts of Antonov Airlines, Kuehne + Nagel, and ANDRITZ—demonstrating how experienced logistics partners can rapidly respond to complex, high-stakes industrial transport requirements with precision, speed, and reliability.
