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Antonov An-124 Ruslan

When Dallas-area energy, aerospace, or defense contractors need to move outsize equipment that simply will not fit in any other commercial freighter, the Antonov An-124 Ruslan is the aircraft the industry reaches for. The DFW Metroplex, with its concentration of energy infrastructure, aerospace manufacturers, and Fortune 500 logistics operations, generates exactly the kind of cargo missions this aircraft was built for. There is no larger commercial freighter in regular service.

The Antonov An-124 Ruslan carries a maximum payload of approximately 120 metric tons on its main deck, with a total cargo volume around 1,014 cubic meters. Its nose-loading visor and rear cargo ramp allow drive-on loading of wheeled or tracked equipment without crane transfer. Published range is approximately 2,430 nautical miles at near-maximum payload. Four Lotarev D-18T high-bypass turbofan engines power the aircraft. It operates through a small number of specialized operators worldwide. Every Antonov An-124 Ruslan we arrange flies with an operator certified under FAR Part 135, the FAA rules for on-demand, for-hire charter.

Antonov An-124 Ruslan for Dallas, TX 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 Dallas

KDFW (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport) has the runway infrastructure the An-124 demands, with four runways at 13,400 feet or longer and 24-hour customs as a full international port of entry. When a DFW-area oilfield equipment company needs to ship a pressure vessel or drilling assembly to a remote international site, KDFW is the practical operating base. Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport (KAFW) in Fort Worth also has 11,000-plus-foot runways and on-site customs, and its cargo-oriented environment is operationally well-suited to a mission of this scale.

The DFW energy sector, centered in Dallas and Irving, moves capital equipment on timelines that cannot wait for ocean freight. Permian Basin operators shipping compressor trains, wellhead assemblies, or oversized tubulars to international destinations, combined with defense contractors around Fort Worth, represent the core demand profile for An-124 missions originating in this market. It is the aircraft of last resort for loads nothing else can carry.

For cross-country moves within the United States, the An-124’s range of approximately 2,430 nautical miles covers Dallas to any domestic destination and reaches much of Latin America. Companies headquartered in the Legacy West corridor or in Irving’s Las Colinas cluster that move industrial equipment internationally have used the An-124 specifically because no alternative exists at that payload. We coordinate through the small number of operators certified for this aircraft type.

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 8/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.

An-124 charters are quoted on a mission-by-mission basis, driven by payload weight, route, ground handling complexity, and operator availability. Rates are among the highest in commercial cargo aviation and reflect the aircraft’s unique capabilities. Contact us early in your planning process for a realistic cost and timeline.

Other Cargo Aircrafts Available

Contact

For a quote on a Antonov An-124 Ruslan charter from Dallas, TX, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or visit 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.