Abu Dhabi-based “Maximus Air” is looking to acquire several Antonov An-178 cargo planes, according to the specialized aviation and travel website “CH-Aviation.” The airline is expected to submit an order to the Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer Antonov by the end of January or early February.
The UAE company is poised to be the first to secure a deal for this relatively new type of aircraft after Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Airlines canceled its order in 2018, and the Peruvian Air Force canceled its order in 2020.
Maximus Air’s CEO, Engineer Mohamed Ibrahim Al Qassimi, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ukrainian company, but the agreement is non-binding. Further negotiations between the two companies are expected, according to “CH-Aviation.”
Maximus Air has experienced significant growth in demand for its services following the pandemic, particularly focusing on specialized cargo operations and large-sized products. Humanitarian relief flights are also a crucial part of Maximus’s operations, supporting the relief efforts of the Emirates Red Crescent. The company has transported food aid and medical supplies to Lebanon and Jordan for refugees affected by the situation in Syria.
The Antonov An-178 can cover a distance of up to 3,680 kilometers with a payload of around 10 tons, but its maximum payload is approximately 18 tons. It is considered a suitable replacement for cargo planes such as the An-12, An-32, and An-26, drawing design inspiration from the An-158. The delivery of the An-178 is expected by late 2025 or 2026.
Maximus Air, established in 2005 in the United Arab Emirates, specializes in transporting oversized cargo, hazardous goods, and animals.