newstodate.aero
Aug 26, 2009 (newstodate): Does the Soviet-built AN-26 freighter have a future in EU airspace - or should its role be taken over by more fuel-efficient western-built aircraft like the ATR and ATP freighters?
Now in its 40th year of operation, about 250 AN-26 freighters are still in service with more than 100 operators, but issues of emissions and fuel consumption may be a threat to its continued service at least within EU despite much lobbying by its proponents.
-The AN-26 is the only type of aircraft designed in the former Soviet Union which may be certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency. The aircraft type remains operated by a limited number of cargo operators in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Hungary, under a series of derogations which have been accepted until EASA makes the determination whether the aircraft can be certified in accordance with European legislation, or until September 28, 2009, whatever comes first, says Philippe Gaillard, Air Safety Administrator at the European Commission.
-EASA has recently indicated to the Commission that the certification process is almost complete and that it will only be in a position to issue a RESTRICTED type certificate, excluding the engines and APU. Should this be the case, further use of AN-26 in Commercial air transport without a full type certificate would become technically and legally questionable.
-The Commission remains in close contact with EASA on this file and awaits the final EASA conclusions on the certification process, which shall be taken by September 28, in order to assess the situation and take the appropriate decisions.
Now in its 40th year of operation, about 250 AN-26 freighters are still in service with more than 100 operators, but issues of emissions and fuel consumption may be a threat to its continued service at least within EU despite much lobbying by its proponents.
-The AN-26 is the only type of aircraft designed in the former Soviet Union which may be certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency. The aircraft type remains operated by a limited number of cargo operators in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Hungary, under a series of derogations which have been accepted until EASA makes the determination whether the aircraft can be certified in accordance with European legislation, or until September 28, 2009, whatever comes first, says Philippe Gaillard, Air Safety Administrator at the European Commission.
-EASA has recently indicated to the Commission that the certification process is almost complete and that it will only be in a position to issue a RESTRICTED type certificate, excluding the engines and APU. Should this be the case, further use of AN-26 in Commercial air transport without a full type certificate would become technically and legally questionable.
-The Commission remains in close contact with EASA on this file and awaits the final EASA conclusions on the certification process, which shall be taken by September 28, in order to assess the situation and take the appropriate decisions.