Giant Antonov-124 aircraft arrives in Auckland with America's Cup boat onboard

The now largely unfamiliar sound of jet aircraft flying over Auckland city had some people running to their windows on Thursday evening as a giant Ukrainian Antonov-124 arrived in New Zealand.

The aircraft, which is about 70m long and has a wingspan of 74m was carrying the America's Cup AC75 boat from INEOS TEAM UK.

Giant Antonov-124 aircraft arrives in Auckland with America's Cup boat onboard
Photo credit: Jordan Tan/Auckland Airport

The deep roar of the Antonov's engines got the attention of many people living under its flight path as it came in to land, apparently drowning out the sound of people's televisions.

"I heard the noise so checked the flight tracking app, saw it was an Antonov so I ran outside to see it," one keen plane spotter told Newshub.

Giant Antonov-124 aircraft arrives in Auckland with America's Cup boat onboard
Photo credit: Jordan Tan/Auckland Airport

Last month, an America's Cup boat from the team American Magic arrived in New Zealand, also transported by an Antonov aircraft.

The powerful aircraft left Auckland early Friday morning after unloading its cargo.