Antonov | An-148
The 80-seat Antonov An-148-100 won type approval from Russian and Ukrainian authorities in late February, marking the successfulAntonov | An-148
The 80-seat Antonov An-148-100 won type approval from Russian and Ukrainian authorities in late February, marking the successful completion of the first new regional jet design in the former Soviet Union since the fall of the Iron Curtain. Kazakh airline SCAT plans to take the first airplane scheduled for delivery from Ukrainian supplier Aviant by the end of the year. At least 10 production airplanes stand in various stages of completion at Aviant’s plant in Kiev, which in August received certification from the International Aviation Committee Aircraft Register to proceed with serial production, while Russian supplier VASO continues final assembly on two at its facilities in Voronezh, southwest Russia.
VASO’s status as one of the An-148’s two final assembly contractors has survived political tension between elements within the Russian and Ukrainian governments and conflicts arising from its participation in the Russian Superjet project, a direct rival of the Antonov product. Not only has Antonov granted VASO a license to assemble the airplanes in Voronezh, the Russian manufacturer also supplies the An-148’s tail section, rear fuselage, engine pylons and high-lift devices. Plans to integrate Russia’s aerospace industry under the United Aircraft (OAK) banner include a goal to assemble 78 An-148s at the VASO plant over the next six years. Aviant plans to build 34 by 2010.
