World's biggest plane to become a regular at British airports

The world's largest aircraft, which can carry an entire train, 50 cars or ten battle tanks, is set to become a regular in the UK after its operator opened a base at Stansted Airport.

Antonov An-225 Mriya is a six-engine aircraft which was designed to carry Soviet spacecraft in the 1980s.

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The Times reports that its Ukrainian owner wants to expand their presence in the UK after breaking ties with Russia.

An-225 is known as the world's longest and heaviest jet ever built. It has 32 wheels and a 290ft wing span.

Speaking to Transport Correspondent Graeme Paton at The Times, the company's business development director in the UK, Michael Goodisman, said: "With Antonov now away from its joint venture and developing independently, they are looking to the UK as a good commercial operating point.

"This is all about Antonov's desire to engage with the West . . . and develop a closer relationship with the UK."

The Daily Mail reports that Antonov's An-225 has made 11 trips to the UK, using airports including Prestwick and Doncaster-Sheffield.