Radia, which is developing the WindRunner cargo aircraft, has signed a MoU with UAE-based airline Maximus Air to explore opportunities in commercial cargo operations.
The partners will focus on integrating WindRunner into global logistics planning, route development and customer requirements for oversized, high-value and time-sensitive cargo.
“WindRunner is designed to fundamentally change how the world moves large and complex cargo,” said Mark Lundstrom, ceo of Radia. “Maximus Air brings deep expertise in specialised airlift and global commercial operations, making them an ideal partner as we prepare for WindRunner’s commercial entry into service.”
Maximus Air operates a versatile fleet that include the Antonov AN-124-100 and Ilyushin IL-76TD aircraft.
Founded in 2016, Radia launched to the public in March 2024. Its aircraft concept, WindRunner, is slated to be the world’s largest and will be purpose-built to deliver large wind turbine blades and other components. It will be able to land on short, semi-prepared runways, including those made of packed dirt – greatly expanding the number of locations available for large turbines and enabling onshore wind to scale.
According to Radia, the design of WindRunner requires only a 6,000 ft (1,829 m) semi-prepared dirt or gravel landing strip to deliver its payload. The aircraft itself will be 356 ft (108.5 m) long and have a cargo bay volume of 272,000 cu ft (7,702.2 cu m) – roughly 12 times that of a Boeing 747. It will have a wingspan of 261 ft (80 m). According to HLPFI’s reporting in 2024, the company plans to produce a fleet of certified aircraft at its US assembly site and hopes that the first post-entry into service (EIS) flight would take place in 2029.
