The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is the outsize cargo aircraft of last resort, and out of Los Angeles it moves the loads that will not fit in anything else. Nose and tail ramps, an onboard crane system and a main deck sized for machinery rather than pallets.
Antonov built the An-124 as a strategic airlifter and civil examples operate commercially. Four turbofans, ramps at both ends, an internal crane system and a cargo hold designed around vehicles, turbines, satellites and industrial plant rather than containers. Every Antonov An-124 Ruslan we arrange flies with an operator certificated under FAR Part 135, the FAA rules for on-demand, for-hire 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 Los Angeles
Drive-through loading with ramps at both ends and onboard cranes is what separates this from every other aircraft on this site. Where a 747 nose door still needs ground equipment, the An-124 can often self-load, which matters when the destination has no handling infrastructure.
The realistic Los Angeles work is aerospace and satellite components, power generation equipment, oversized industrial plant and occasionally large-scale production or event equipment. These are project charters planned over weeks, not overnight freight.
The operating fleet is small, globally scattered and heavily booked, and current geopolitical circumstances have reduced it further. Availability and positioning drive the timeline far more than the flight itself, and we would rather set that expectation at the first conversation.
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.
The An-124 quotes at the top of this site alongside the largest VIP airliners, and positioning the aircraft to Los Angeles is frequently a larger cost than the cargo leg itself.
Other Cargo Aircrafts Available
- ATR 72F
- Boeing 737-400 Freighter
- Boeing 737-800BCF
- Boeing 747-400F
- Boeing 747-8F
- Boeing 757 Freighter
The full cargo aircrafts category page lists every cargo aircraft we arrange for Los Angeles departures.
Contact
For a quote on a Antonov An-124 Ruslan charter in or out of Los Angeles, 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.