The world’s biggest cargo aircraft has touched down safely at Perth Airport in front of tens of thousands of excited spectators on its first trip to Australia.

The Antonov An-225 Mriya, meaning “dream” in Ukranian, landed in WA shortly before 12:00pm local time on Sunday, after a long trip from Europe.

The best spot for the arrival was reportedly a temporary viewing area on Airport Drive, with an estimated 15,000 spectators lining up at the fence, according to the AAP.

“The sheer size of the An-225 was breathtaking, with the click of camera shutters audible over the roar of the six engines as it taxied past,” Perth Airport spokeswoman Fiona Lander said.

“Never before has the An-225 made its way to Australia and the people of Perth made the most of its visit today.”

The aircraft, which took off from Prague, Czech Republic, on Friday, is in Australia to transport a 117-tonne turbine for Western Australian resources company Worsely Alumina, WA Today reported.

It will be in Perth for about 48 hours and will take up to 12 hours to unload.

The Antonov has 32 wheels, a wing span of 84.4 metres and a maximum take-off weight of 640 tonnes.

– with other agencies