Payload, door size and what can be handled at each end are what choose the aircraft for freight moving on or off Martha’s Vineyard.
Antonov ASTC introduced the Antonov An-124 Ruslan in 1986. It is flown by a crew of 6. The type carries Crew only (cargo) passengers, cruises at 459 knots, tops out at 39,400 feet, covers 2,430 nautical miles and holds 36680 cubic feet of baggage. An aircraft of this size normally operates under FAR Part 121 or the foreign equivalent rather than FAR Part 135, and those standards generally carry stricter crew and operating requirements than FAR Part 91 and FAR Part 135.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Cargo Aircraft
- Manufacturer: Antonov ASTC
- Year introduced: 1986
- Seating: Crew only (cargo)
- Crew: 6
- Range: 2,430 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 459 knots
- Service ceiling: 39,400 feet
- Length: 226.7 feet
- Wingspan: 240.5 feet
- Height: 68.2 feet
- Baggage volume: 36,680 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Crew only
Why the Antonov An-124 Ruslan Fits Martha’s Vineyard
Freight moves through Martha’s Vineyard Airport (KMVY), and what is practical is set by the handling available at each end.
A published range of 2,430 nautical miles brings Dallas, Houston, Denver and Aspen within reach of Martha’s Vineyard, before the operator applies reserves and routing for the day.
Aircraft with more than nine passenger seats need twenty-four hours’ prior permission at Martha’s Vineyard Airport, which covers most aircraft in this class. Your advisor makes that call, and it is the reason we ask for your dates as early as you can give them. The same rule at Nantucket asks for two hours, so if you are booking late and either island would do, that difference usually decides it.
Payload, door dimensions and the loading equipment at both ends decide what is workable, and your advisor will check all three against your load.
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Antonov An-124 Ruslan run $25,000 to $35,000 per hour as of 9/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
As a rough guide, Martha’s Vineyard to Aspen is about 1,653 nautical miles, which is roughly 3.5 to 4.0 hours of flight time at this aircraft’s cruise speed before winds and routing are applied.
Other Cargo Aircraft Available
- ATR 72F
- Boeing 737-400 Freighter
- Boeing 737-800BCF
- Boeing 747-400F
- Boeing 747-8F
- Boeing 757 Freighter
Contact
For a quote on a Antonov An-124 Ruslan charter to or from Martha’s Vineyard, call 1-888-987-5387 or visit our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.