On October 4, 2020, Paris-Vatry Airport, located in the Marne department, hosted a rare and impressive event: the landing of an Antonov An-22A, one of the largest turboprop aircraft ever built. This Soviet aircraft, nicknamed "Antei," is renowned for its ability to carry heavy and bulky loads, with a wingspan of 64.4 meters and a length of 57.3 meters.
Arriving from Leipzig, the Antonov An-22A flew over the Faux-Vésigneul region before touching down on the 3,860-meter runway at Vatry Airport. This type of landing is exceptional, as the An-22A is rarely seen in France.
The Antonov An-22A, introduced in 1967, is a military transport aircraft designed to carry heavy loads. It has set 27 international payload records and remains one of the heaviest production turboprop aircraft ever built.
An exceptional year for Vatry
The presence of this aircraft at Vatry testifies to the growing importance of this airport for air cargo, particularly for the transport of medical equipment. In 2020, the airport experienced exceptional activity, handling millions of masks and other protective equipment intended to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
This intense activity enabled Paris-Vatry Airport to have an exceptional 2020. In the absence of passenger traffic due to the health crisis, cargo has become the airport's main activity, contributing to its financial stability after several years of deficit.
Conclusion
This event left a lasting impression on aviation enthusiasts and local residents, offering a rare opportunity to admire a legendary aircraft on French soil.
I would like to particularly thank the l'Aéroport de Paris Vatry & personnel for their accessibility and kindness, without their accreditations these pictures would not have been possible !
Thank you for your trust without which this inside tour would not have been possible.
More pictures here : https://flic.kr/s/aHskMSmbGv
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