Microsoft Flight Simulator Raises $3 Million to Bring Back the An-225 Mriya

Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer Antonov Company has successfully completed all urgent restoration work on the iconic An-225 “Mriya,” the world’s largest aircraft, and plans to resume full restoration efforts once hostilities in the region cease.

This monumental task has gained fresh momentum thanks to a significant fundraising initiative spearheaded by Microsoft, which has generated $3 million specifically for the Mriya restoration project. According to the reports.

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The funds were raised through the sale of an add-on for the rebooted Microsoft Flight Simulator, which features the An-225. In a generous move, Microsoft agreed to donate all proceeds from these sales to Antonov, with the stipulation that the money would be exclusively used for rebuilding the aircraft.

Under the terms of the contract, Microsoft provided Antonov with 100% of the revenue generated in the first year of sales, allowing for a substantial injection of resources into the restoration fund.

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While the exact cost of building a new an225 rebuild has yet to be determined, it will largely depend on the availability of parts from existing aircraft. Antonov hopes to utilize components from the Russian “Ruslan” aircraft located in Canada and Germany, which may be confiscated for use in Ukraine’s restoration efforts.

Additionally, three An-124 aircraft belonging to Volga-Dnepr Airlines are currently stranded at Leipzig Halle Airport in Germany and could potentially serve as valuable parts donors for the An-225 project.

As Antonov Airlines relocates operations until the conclusion of the conflict, the anticipation surrounding the return of the Mriya grows. The combination of innovative fundraising through Microsoft Flight Simulator and the potential access to vital components could pave the way for the world’s largest airplane to take to the skies once more, restoring its legacy as a symbol of engineering marvel and national pride.