More Great Photos of Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100M-150 UR-82008 at Rockhampton Airport

Local plane spotters Kayanne H and 'IAD' were also at Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 6 September, and also thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle as Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100M-150 UR-82008 touched down in the beef capital.

As mentioned below, the giant AN-124 "Ruslan" arrived at Rockhampton as ADB2132 direct from Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore.  It parked on Gate 6 at the Southern end of the Rockhampton Airport apron where it unloaded a pair of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47SD Chinook helicopters - identified as 88195 and 88197.  Engines were removed first, followed by the Chinooks, which were promptly towed to the Northern end of the Rocky Airport apron.

One interesting photo captured yesterday while the Antonov's nose was raised was the aircraft 'visitor's book' showing stickers from operators and military forces from all over the world.  As a point is case, UR-82008 has actually visited Australia on two separate occasions prior to its arrival into Rocky on Saturday.

One final photo shows the fantastic view from the recently installed viewing platform which has been recently been constructed to the South of the Rockhampton Airport terminal, near the Virgin Australia and freight operators' sheds.

The platform is a set of obsolete aircraft stairs which have been concreted into the ground.  It is believed that the air stairs has been donated by a locally-based ground handling agent, and has been installed by the Rockhampton Regional Council.  Both the operator and Council should be congratulated for this great initiative - thanks guys!

UR-82008 is set to depart Rockhampton late on Sunday 7 September, but return to Rockhampton on Tuesday 9 September.

Sincere thanks as well to Kayanne and 'IAD' for sending through these great photos from a great day of plane spotting!

Photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman and 'IAD'  ©