Hundreds of onlookers lined up along a security fence Wednesday evening as the largest plane still flying in the world – the Soviet-built Antonov An-225 – took off from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Aviation enthusiasts were busy documenting the cargo plane’s visit this week and awaiting the moment it departed with its enormous payload – reportedly air-conditioning units bound for the Middle East. The plane, which went into service in 1988 to transport the Soviet Union’s Buran space shuttle, was the only one of its kind ever made. It’s now operated by Ukrainian-based Antonov Airlines.

At 275 feet and 7 inches, the plane is the longest and heaviest ever built. It has a wingspan of 290 feet, stands 59 feet 5 inches tall and is powered by six turbofan engines.

The plane’s departure became a local event, drawing hundreds to watch the behemoth take flight:

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