The Antonov 225 was a plane designed to carry the Soviet Union's space shuttle orbiter "Buran". It began design in 1985 and was based on the design of its little sister the Antonov 124.

There are 32 tires making up the 7 landing gears under the belly of the aircraft. If the aircraft was to be converted into a passenger aircraft, it can carry approximately 1500 passengers, 3 times that of the Boeing 747-400.

The Antonov broke 109 world records during its inaugural flight in 1988; including cargo weight and range. It still holds the title of the "World's Largest Airliner". But after its maiden flight, the one time transport of the Buran orbiter, and the fell of the Soviet Union caused the aircraft to be decommissioned.

The old Soviet Union government department spun off a new company called "Antonov Airline" using the Antonov 124 to transport large loads, and after years of successful business, the management recognized that the Antonov 225 would increase the efficiency and capacity of the company. So after 8 years of being parked the Antonov 225 was refurbished and received it certified for commercial flight.