| First export An-148s built |
|
An advanced Antonov An-148-100E (c/n 41-01) built under the contract for two aircraft of the type for the Burmese Defence Ministry conducted its first flight from the airfield of the Voronezh-based VASO aircraft plant on At the same time with fulfilling the first An-148 export order, VASO fulfilled its launch commercial An-148 contract by delivering the sixth – final – An-148-100B (c/n 40-09, RA-61706) to the Rossiya state transport company on Speaking at the sixth An-148’s delivery ceremony, VASO Director General Vitaly Zubarev said: “It is important to us that a government-owned company has become the launch customer four An-148. Working hand in glove with VASO personnel, Rossiya staff has learnt to operate the new plane. We expect continuation of our fruitful cooperation. According to Rossiya Director General Sergey Belov, the carrier is generally satisfied with the An-148’s operation and plans to use its options for nine more aircraft of the type. Vitaly Zubarev also said: “VASO’s production plan provides for a steady growth of the An-148’s output, because the list of customers is growing. Sberbank Leasing ordered 10 An-148-100Es for the Voronezh-based Polyot carrier in October 2010. The deliveries will commence in spring 2011”. In addition, VASO in November 2010 landed a contract from the Russian Emergencies Ministry’s Aviation Department for construction and delivery of two An-148-100Es during 2012–2013. |
