Cargo charter to the Bahamas exists because ocean freight to the islands is slow, and some things cannot wait for the next boat. The Antonov An-124 Ruslan flies freight only, so it is sized for the load rather than for passengers.
Antonov ASTC introduced the Antonov An-124 Ruslan in 1986. It is used out of the Bahamas partly because it can load through a main-deck cargo door. Crew = 6 flight crew (pilot, copilot, navigator, two flight engineers, radio operator) + 2 loadmasters. 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 the Bahamas
We size the aircraft to your load, instead of fitting your load into whatever space a freighter has left.
Dangerous goods, temperature control and oversize dimensions all need declaring before the aircraft is committed.
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan offers about 36,680 cubic feet of main-deck volume and a published range of 2,430 nautical miles. Your advisor will check both against the size and weight of your load. It is flown by a crew of 6. Weight, dimensions, and any hazardous classification all need confirming with the operator before the aircraft is committed.
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; reports may be provided on request.
- 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 8/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
Contact
For a quote on a Antonov An-124 Ruslan charter to or from the Bahamas, 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.