The mention of Louis Vuitton conjures up iconic handbags, and yet – the shipment that Antonov Airlines delivered on 29MAR24 is a tad too big for a standard handbag. In fact, no handbags were involved. Focus instead, was on the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match taking place from 29AUG24 to 07OCT24 in Barcelona, this year. And the main shipment in question was a high-tech ‘flying’ yacht AC75, flown on behalf of the American Magic team, along with other accompanying cargo. At 22 meters in length, 5 meters in width and a height of 3.5 meters, Antonov’s AN-124-100 was the only aircraft suitable for transport. In cooperation with logistics partners GAC Pindar and Solent Freight Services, Antonov Airlines flew the yacht from Providence, Rhode Island, USA, to Spain. It is the second time that Antonov Airlines transported cargo for the America’s Cup. Back in 2020, in preparation for the 36th America’s Cup, the airline carried the AC75’s predecessor monohull yacht – that time from the USA to New Zealand. A special cradle was deployed to load the yacht and then pull it into the cargo cabin using the on-board winch.
The American Magic Team are now preparing to win back the trophy from the current champions, Emirates Team New Zealand. “The New York Yacht Club, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, held the trophy for 132 years before losing it to Australia in 1983. Since then, only teams from the USA, Switzerland and New Zealand have won the Cup,” the release states.
Maksym Bogatov, Commercial Executive ANTONOV Airlines, commented: “We are happy to be a partner in the logistics of the American Magic team again. We hope this year the American Magic team [will win] the desired victory at the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match.”
