The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is one of the largest cargo aircraft in commercial service and Naples-market work never touches KAPF; the airframe is brokered exclusively through MIA (Miami International) or MCO (Orlando) where the ramps and customs infrastructure exist. RSW does not routinely handle An-124 ops.
Entered service 1986 (first flight 1982). Six flight crew (pilot, copilot, navigator, two flight engineers, radio operator) plus two loadmasters. Main-deck cargo volume 36,680 cubic feet (around 1,028 cubic meters). Range 2,430 nautical miles at max payload of 330,700 pounds (150 metric tons); ferry range up to 8,900 nautical miles. Cruise 459 knots true, ceiling 39,400 feet. Length 226.7 feet, wingspan 240.5 feet.
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 Naples
The oversized outbound is the Naples-market job. A superyacht component (a mast, a tender, a generator) built or serviced at a Naples-area yard and moving to a Mediterranean or Caribbean owner-port ships via the An-124 through MIA. Marine engine transfers, oversized art crates, and industrial equipment fit the same pattern.
Humanitarian relief through MIA is the second real use case. When a hurricane wipes out a Caribbean island’s runway, the An-124 lands at MIA, unloads generators and water plants at scale, and turns around. This is Hurricane Ian precedent (September 2022) writ larger.
Motorsports team gear is the third: a Formula 1 or IMSA operation moving cars, tools, and hospitality equipment to Sebring or Homestead runs the An-124 through MIA on a per-race basis.
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.
Hourly billing runs $25,000 to $35,000 per flight hour as of 7/2026 (source: ACA published range). Loading and unloading time (24 to 48 hours per turn) is a real line item; MIA ramp and customs coordination quoted per trip.
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 Naples, 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.