newstodate.aero
Aug 26, 2009 (newstodate): EASA's recommendation to the EU Commission that the future of the AN-26 freighter in EU airspace might be limited by a restricted type certification of the aircraft is news to a Lithuanian operator.
-We have been in close contact with the EU for a long time now while our two AN-26 aircraft remain grounded, pending the decision by September 28, 2009, on the future fate of the aircraft, says Evaldas Ambras, Aviavilsa director.
-Our impression till now has been that we might expect green lights for the certification, and that everything should be OK so far. This idea of a restricted type certification is indeed new to us.
-I really do not know at this stage what we might possibly do to secure our operations if this decision is carried through. We would probably have to look for new aircraft like ATR-42 freighters, but this is still too early so say.
-We also learn that our Latvian counterpart, RAF-Avia is expecting an exemption from the certification requirement, and we cannot see why we should not expect likewise.
-We used to operate the AN-26 for DHL Aviation from Copenhagen to the Baltic region, but this operation was moved to Leipzig and is now served with SAAB 340 aircraft pending the outcome of the current AN-26 certification process, says Mr Ambras.
-We have been in close contact with the EU for a long time now while our two AN-26 aircraft remain grounded, pending the decision by September 28, 2009, on the future fate of the aircraft, says Evaldas Ambras, Aviavilsa director.
-Our impression till now has been that we might expect green lights for the certification, and that everything should be OK so far. This idea of a restricted type certification is indeed new to us.
-I really do not know at this stage what we might possibly do to secure our operations if this decision is carried through. We would probably have to look for new aircraft like ATR-42 freighters, but this is still too early so say.
-We also learn that our Latvian counterpart, RAF-Avia is expecting an exemption from the certification requirement, and we cannot see why we should not expect likewise.
-We used to operate the AN-26 for DHL Aviation from Copenhagen to the Baltic region, but this operation was moved to Leipzig and is now served with SAAB 340 aircraft pending the outcome of the current AN-26 certification process, says Mr Ambras.