The Mirya made four tech stop visits through Prestwick during a three week period while flying from Memphis to the Midle East. The three vehicles were waiting to trail it down the Runway after landing to keep a close eye on it.

Lots of people arrived to watch the AN225 depart and we weren't disappointed as it made a spectacular sight lifting off from runway 31. It arrived at 11pm the previous night coming in from Rome and departed at 4pm on it's 8 hour flight to JFK New York.

Departing Prestwick from a wet Runway 13 at 7pm, this aircraft always brings out the Photographers no matter the weather as you can see here.

The one and only An-225 on short final for rwy 26L.

The one and only An-225 right during rotation on rwy 25L for the short flight to PRG.

A dream come true.

The 1989 Paris Air Salon was the first time this unique aircraft was shown to the western world, only six months after its first flight. After a successful week at the Air Salon, the world's only Mriya is seen here on its way back home to the Soviet Union, faithfully carrying the Buran, the USSR's answer to the Space Shuttle. Hidden away in the big belly of this magnificent beast is the wreck of a MiG-29 that crashed earlier during the show.