The Antonov An-124 Ruslan moves Puerto Rico’s outsize and heavy-lift cargo through San Juan (SJU), carrying loads no standard freighter can hold up to 2,430 nautical miles. It fits oversized industrial, aerospace, or project freight into and out of SJU. One of the largest cargo aircraft flying.
Antonov built the An-124 as a strategic airlifter with nose and tail loading and onboard cranes, cruising near 459 knots up to about 39,400 feet. Its cargo hold swallows machinery and vehicles other freighters cannot.
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 Puerto Rico
From Puerto Rico the An-124 fits the exceptional load: San Juan to mainland US, Europe, or beyond with outsize industrial or project cargo. It is booked when dimensions or weight rule out every other freighter.
For pharmaceutical-plant equipment, generators, or aerospace pieces moving through SJU, the An-124 is the heavy-lift answer.
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 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
Other Cargo Aircrafts Available
- ATR 72F
- Boeing 737-400 Freighter
- Boeing 737-800BCF
- Boeing 747-400F
- Boeing 747-8F
- Boeing 757 Freighter
Contact
For a quote on a Antonov An-124 Ruslan charter in or out of Puerto Rico, call +1-888-987-5387 or head to 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.