Most cargo charters to Aruba happen because a shipment is too urgent, too large or too valuable to wait for regular freight.
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan entered service in 1986. It has a published range of 2,430 nautical miles and a cruise speed of 459 knots. The aircraft has a service ceiling of 39,400 feet and 36,680 cubic feet of cargo volume.
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 Aruba
With 2,430 nautical miles of published range, it covers trips between Aruba and destinations such as Miami, Washington and Toronto, allowing for reserves and routing. Aruba sits on the southern edge of the hurricane belt, but hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, and a storm farther north can affect the flight down.
On the island, every private flight uses Queen Beatrix International in Oranjestad, and at home an aircraft this size usually leaves from one of the larger airports in your area. The runway an aircraft needs is calculated by the operator for that day’s conditions, and your advisor confirms it with the operator before the trip is booked.
How Aruba Clients Use the Antonov An-124 Ruslan
Freight flights to the island handle urgent parts, project equipment and shipments too big for regular cargo. We look at the cargo door, the floor space and how the load has to go on board, not only at the payload, before we pick the aircraft.
Send us the weight, the dimensions and where the freight starts and ends, and your advisor will tell you whether this aircraft suits the load or suggest one that does.
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
- Estimated hourly rate: $25,000 to $35,000 (as of 10/2026)
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 an Antonov An-124 Ruslan charter to or from Aruba, call an advisor at 1-888-987-5387, or send the trip through our contact page. You can read how we review operators and crews on our safety page, and compare other categories in the aircraft gallery.
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. All images copyrighted and provided courtesy of Antonov unless noted otherwise.