newstodate.aero
APR 12, 2005 (newstodate): Russia's new mid-range aircraft, AN-148, is advancing in its ongoing test and certification program.
According to the designer general of the O.K. Antonov Aircraft Design-Manufacturing Complex, the first AN-148 completed its test program in 2004 and documented its performance characteristics in 65 flights, and the second aircraft is now joining the test program.
Pulkovo has signed a lease agreement with IFLC for 18 aircraft, Aerosvit has reportedly signed up for taking 10 aircraft, and KrasAir is also mentioned among potential customers, while Aeroflot may also reportedly consider this aircraft in a tender.
It also remains the Russian producer's hope that the AN-148 may appeal to a western market as Antonov has reportedly priced the aircraft at 17 million USD, quoting direct operating costs between 25 and 30 percent lower than the Embraer 170.
According to the designer general of the O.K. Antonov Aircraft Design-Manufacturing Complex, the first AN-148 completed its test program in 2004 and documented its performance characteristics in 65 flights, and the second aircraft is now joining the test program.
Pulkovo has signed a lease agreement with IFLC for 18 aircraft, Aerosvit has reportedly signed up for taking 10 aircraft, and KrasAir is also mentioned among potential customers, while Aeroflot may also reportedly consider this aircraft in a tender.
It also remains the Russian producer's hope that the AN-148 may appeal to a western market as Antonov has reportedly priced the aircraft at 17 million USD, quoting direct operating costs between 25 and 30 percent lower than the Embraer 170.