AIRCRAFT enthusiasts are preparing to welcome the world's biggest plane to East Midlands Airport.
Antonov-225, the world's biggest aircraft, is due to touchdown tonight.
The Ukrainian-built plane will land at around 6pm and stay overnight before taking off again at around 10am on Friday.
And plane lovers across the county have spoken of their excitement ahead of the landing - with hundreds taking to the Post's Twitter and Facebook pages to discuss the exciting event.
On Facebook, Kierum Bailey said: "Can't wait I'm so excited. I'll be plane spotting and getting some good snaps."
Lee Fallows said: "Superb bit of Russian engineering, far better than any British aircraft ever built."
Maggie Miller added: "Wow what a monster. Can that really fly. It's colossal. Wow wow wow."
The plane is powered by six engines and is the longest and heaviest plane ever built with a maximum take-off weight of 640 tonnes.
It also has the largest wingspan of any aircraft currently in service.
A 189-tonne generator for a gas power plant in Armenia was transported on an Antonov-225 in 2009, and in June 2010 it carried the world's longest piece of air cargo when it flew two new 42-metre test wind turbine blades from China to Denmark.
The craft has only visited East Midlands Airport six times.
Anyone who would like to see the plane land can go to Aeroparks at the airport for a good view. It will be open from 5pm until 6.30pm is free for children under 5 and £3 for adults.
Car parking is free all and all money goes back into the Aeroparks exhibitions.
