Originally Posted by ATOBTTR

Yes, the An-225 was a one-off. Only one was built and as you note, carried unique cargo not transportable by other aircraft types and alternate methods could be very slow.

I saw this aircraft just a few weeks ago at Billund, Denmark. I could see it across the ramp while in the terminal. Hundreds if not thousands of people came out to line the airport perimeter fence watch the An-225 depart. We taxied out and then had to hold while the An-225 crossed the runway.