The iconic aircraft was destroyed in its hangar on Friday 24 February when Russian forces attacked Gostomel Airport on the first day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Despite initial reports that the AN-225 had survived, Antonov’s parent company, Ukroboronprom, confirmed on 27 February that the aircraft had been destroyed but said it would be rebuilt.
On the day of the attack, it was undergoing routine maintenance and one of the engines had been dismantled for repairs, Ukroboronprom said at the time.
In a statement on Facebook, Antonov made an “Appeal of the Antonov Company to the international aviation community and to all non-indifferent people of the civilized world” to revive the AN-225.
It added that Ukraine and Antonov Company do not have the money for the project in these difficult times, so it is launching an international fund.
Antonov is calling on global governments, aircraft and component companies, foreign partners, banks and financial institutions, aviation enthusiasts and “all unindifferent [sic] people”.
Ending the Facebook statement, Antonov Company says: “The Antonov Company hopes for a powerful support of the AN-225 "Mriya" aircraft revival project and expresses its biggest gratitude and understanding that the project is aimed at restoring the aircraft as a symbol of the world's highest scientific and technological achievements in modern aircraft construction.”