In Addition To So Many Other Tragedies, Ukraine's 'Dream' May Have Fallen To Russian Attack

In light of the many tragedies we are seeing arising out of the wanton destruction of Ukraine by Russia, it almost seems silly to note that a one-of-a-kind aviation treasure also appears to have been destroyed. While still not quite official, numerous reports strongly suggest that the world’s largest operational transport aircraft, the Antonov AN-225 ‘Mriya’ (‘Dream’ in Ukrainian), may have been destroyed in the Russian invasion. The massive six-engine cargo transport was the only one of its kind, after insufficient money was allowed to finish an in-process second iteration nearly twenty years ago. 

While Slots Are on Hold Until April, The Airline Wants Its Planes

The latest in the Qatar vs. Airbus court fight has now seen a riposte to the manufacturer with the airline's demand that the canceled order for 50 Airbus A321neo jet be reinstated. At last word, Airbus had been given a stay by the London court requiring them to hold about 60 order slots for Qatar Airways until April at the earliest, when things could be seen through in court. Now, Qatar has fired back, demanding the deal be honored, and if not - pay them damages for their trouble. The airline says that the "unique" aircraft would be difficult to replace on short notice, and the choice to cancel the order seems more like petty revenge than any actual business decision.